“Shifting Perspectives: New Study Reveals Changes in Global Warming Attitudes Among Americans”

The article “Changes in Global Warming’s Six Americas: An analysis of repeat respondents” published in the journal Climatic Change explores the shifting attitudes of Americans towards climate change. The Global Warming’s Six Americas framework categorizes the American public into six groups based on their beliefs and concerns about global warming. The Alarmed are the most worried and supportive of climate action, while the Dismissive are the least concerned and oppose climate action.

The study used panel data from a cohort of U.S. adults who participated in surveys between 2011 and 2022 to track changes in individuals’ attitudes over time. The results showed that 30% of respondents shifted towards the Alarmed category, while 21% shifted towards the Dismissive category. The Dismissive group was more likely to change segments over time, with 39% moving up the spectrum compared to 22% of the Alarmed group moving down.

Demographic and political groups that were most likely to move up the spectrum included Black respondents, those earning $50,000-$99,999 annually, liberal Democrats, and moderate/conservative Democrats. Conversely, those who were most likely to move down the spectrum included those who did not identify with a party, liberal/moderate Republicans, and Independents.

The study also found that changes in attitudes towards climate change were associated with changes in support for climate policy and behavioral engagement. Respondents who moved up the spectrum became more supportive of climate policy and more personally engaged with global warming, while those who moved down became less supportive and engaged.

These findings suggest that Americans’ opinions on climate change are dynamic, with some individuals changing their minds over time. The results align with prior research showing a growing consensus among Americans on the reality and seriousness of human-caused climate change. The study highlights the importance of public communication and engagement in shaping attitudes towards climate change and promoting action.

Overall, the research provides valuable insights into the evolving attitudes of Americans towards climate change and the factors driving these changes. The full article is available for further reading for those interested in more detailed findings and methods.