Most Americans say the world’s climate is changing and nearly half think they will see catastrophic effects of climate change during their lifetimes. Majorities say the U.S. should do more to address climate change, should increase or keep current environmental regulations, and should use more solar and wind energy. More Americans say stricter environmental standards would help the U.S. economy than say stricter standards would hurt it.
What you need to know about Americans’ views on climate change and the environment, as of the February 13 – 16, 2026 Economist / YouGov Poll:
A majority (59%) of Americans believe that the world’s climate is changing as a result of human activity. A further 22% say the climate is changing but not because of human activity. Only 6% say the climate is not changingNearly half (45%) of Americans think they will see catastrophic impacts of climate change in their lifetimes. About one-third (31%) do not think they will see catastrophic effects, with the remaining 24% not sureA majority (57%) of Americans say the U.S. should do more to address climate change. Only 16% say that the U.S. should do lessMost Democrats (90%) and a majority (58%) of Independents say the U.S. should do more to address climate change. Republicans are more divided: 25% say the U.S. should do more, 29% say it should not change what it’s doing, and 33% say it should do lessYounger adults are more likely than older Americans to say the U.S. should do more to address climate change
Image: Getty (Jon Cherry / Stringer)
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