- 63% of Americans believe climate change is primarily human-caused (91% D, 28% R) — the widest partisan gap of any major scientific belief in polling history
- 75% support expanding renewable energy — one of the most bipartisan climate positions; even among Republicans, 58% support renewable expansion, creating a split between GOP voters and elected officials
- Climate action shows the largest age gap of any issue: 81% of under-35s want government action vs. 44% of those 65+; young voters rank it their #2 issue in 2026 after the economy
- The Paris Agreement: 61% support rejoining; Trump's withdrawal decision has 57% disapproval, though partisan views remain sharply divided (91% D vs. 25% R disapprove)
Belief in Human-Caused Climate Change by Group
Climate Policy Support
| Policy | All Adults | Democrats | Independents | Republicans |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expand renewable energy | 75% | 94% | 74% | 55% |
| Rejoin Paris Agreement | 61% | 89% | 59% | 29% |
| EV purchase incentives | 68% | 88% | 67% | 44% |
| Government action on climate overall | 58% | 88% | 57% | 22% |
| Carbon pricing / carbon tax | 47% | 74% | 44% | 16% |
| Phase out fossil fuel subsidies | 56% | 81% | 54% | 28% |
| Require clean building standards | 63% | 86% | 62% | 38% |
| IRA clean energy tax credits (keep) | 64% | 85% | 63% | 42% |
Climate & the 2026 Electorate
Young Voter Priority
Among voters aged 18–29, climate ranks #2 behind economic concerns. 46% say a candidate’s climate position is very important to their vote — the highest ever recorded. Turnout models for 2026 show elevated youth participation in climate-forward districts.
IRA Repeal Risk
Republican efforts to roll back Inflation Reduction Act clean energy credits face 64% public opposition. In key manufacturing states (MI, OH, PA) where IRA-funded factories have opened, Republican incumbents in those districts are vulnerable if they vote to repeal credits.
Republican Crossover
55% of Republicans support expanding renewable energy — making it one of the most bipartisan clean energy positions. Framing climate policy as energy independence and job creation rather than environmental regulation significantly improves Republican support numbers.
