A new AP–NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll of 1,165 U.S. adults, conducted in late July, finds that more Americans say extreme heat is affecting them personally. The poll reports that 66% of respondents believe climate change is happening, a decrease from 73% in the prior year. While fewer people express agreement that climate change is occurring, a majority indicate that extreme heat has had an impact—suggesting increased day-to-day strain even as climate-change belief declines.
Across the report, the survey is presented as showing a gap between personal experience of extreme heat and perceptions of climate change. The findings are based on responses collected in the poll period and are intended to capture Americans’ views on both the reality of climate change and the consequences they associate with extreme heat. The results underline that public attitudes about climate science and the perceived effects of extreme weather are not moving in tandem.
