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Plurality of Americans Think US Government Neglecting Action on Climate Change

RESEARCH Public Opinion Survey by Dina Smeltz and Craig Kafura
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2012 Chicago Council Survey data shows an increase in Americans believing temperature swings are linked to global warming.

Introduction

An increase of Americans believe the temperature swings are linked to global warming. Nearly half of Americans think the government is not doing enough to limit climate change.

Key Findings

  • A plurality of Americans (45%) think the US Government is not doing enough on climate change.
  • Only a minority of Americans (38%) are convinced of scientific consensus on climate change.
  • Unlike many foreign policy issues, there are sharp partisan divides on climate change topics, with Democrats and Independents more concerned about climate issues than Republicans.
About the Authors
Vice President, Public Opinion and Foreign Policy
Headshot for Dina Smeltz
Dina Smeltz, a polling expert, has more than 25 years of experience designing and fielding international social and political surveys. Prior to joining the Council to lead its annual survey of American attitudes on US foreign policy, she served in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research at the US State Department's Office of Research from 1992 to 2008.
Headshot for Dina Smeltz
Director of Public Opinion and Foreign Policy
headshot of Craig Kafura
Craig Kafura is the director of public opinion and foreign policy at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, a Security Fellow with the Truman National Security Project, and a Pacific Forum Young Leader. At the Council, he coordinates work on public opinion and foreign policy and is a regular contributor to the public opinion and foreign policy blog Running Numbers.
headshot of Craig Kafura