New Research Findings: Americans Want Climate Leadership from the Health Sector
In partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers
Ben Fulgencio-Turner
ecoAmerica’s latest American Climate Perspectives Survey, published in partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers, reveals that Americans are ready and eager for health professionals to advance climate action. The survey findings offer a clear call for the health sector and health professionals — who possess the wherewithal to advance efforts locally, regionally, and nationally — to lead in educating and guiding all Americans to understand and care for health in a changing climate, especially for more vulnerable populations.
Majority of Americans Know That Climate Change Can Affect Health
Most Americans (70%) have heard that climate change can affect health. This awareness extends across party lines and age groups. There is a consensus understanding of the climate-health connection.
For a copy of the report with detailed graph descriptions, click here.
Americans Want to Hear About Climate from Health Professionals, Whom They Trust
In addition, most Americans (61%) want to learn how to protect their health from climate effects such as poor air quality, extreme heat, and severe storms. Even with some variation by political affiliation and age, this is a consistent majority across all categories.
We know from years of consistent polling that health professionals are the most trusted occupation in the United States. People see health professionals as reliable and honest, regardless of their political affiliation, age, and geography. This survey reaffirms these findings, showing strong trust in health professionals (69%) for information about the health effects of climate change.
Take Action on Climate
Health leaders engaging the public on these issues can drive real change. Whether it is explaining the health risks of specific climate impacts, detailing the local benefits from climate solutions, or building resilience and preparedness, the public is looking to health professionals to lead.
Full data featured in this blog is available in the accompanying toplines. Share these findings on Social Media! Click here for the social toolkit, including:
Methodology
ecoAmerica designed and administered this survey, which was conducted online on February 26-27, 2024, using Survey Monkey. The survey yielded a total of 1,006 complete adult responses and used the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey to weigh the national general population and reflect the demographic composition of the US. The sample was drawn from an online panel, and the respondents were screened to ensure that they were over the age of 18. The margin of error for the sample is +/-3%. In interpreting the survey results, it is important to note that all sample surveys are subject to possible sampling errors. Thus, the results of a survey may differ from the results that would be obtained if the entire population were interviewed. The size of the sampling error depends upon both the total number of respondents in the survey and the percentage distribution of the responses to a particular question. For example, if 50% of the respondents in a sample of 1,006 respondents answered “Yes” to a particular question, we can be 95% confident that the true percentage would fall within 3 points or range from 47% to 53%.
About the Author
Ben Fulgencio-Turner, Director of the Climate for Health program at ecoAmerica
Additional Resources
Watch the American Climate Leadership Awards 2024
Watch the 2024 American Climate Leadership Awards for High School Students
Mental Health and Our Changing Climate: Children and Youth Report 2023