Climate Change in the American Mind: Spring 2026
Provided by: Yale Program on Climate Change Communication|Published on: September 13, 2026
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12, AP
Type: Scientific Reports
Subjects: Civics, Geography
Authors: Anthony Leiserowitz, John Kotcher, Seth Rosenthal, Emily Goddard, Jennifer Carman, Marija Verner, Teresa Myers, Joshua Ettinger, Julia Fine, Emily Richards, Matthew Goldberg, Jennifer Marlon and Edward Maibach
Region: United States
Languages: English
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This report presents findings from a nationally representative survey of American adults describing their beliefs and attitudes about global warming, organized into sections on beliefs, perceived risks, worry, personal and social engagement, impacts, personal agency, and how Americans conceptualize the issue.
- The report includes extensive data tables, charts, and appendices detailing the survey method and sample demographics, offering a window into how public opinion research is designed and communicated.
Teaching Materials
Classroom Implementation:
- Use this resource to discuss the importance of talking about climate change.
- Consider posting the charts around the room and having students go on a gallery walk, writing their analyses for each as they move through.
Extensions:
- Have students conduct surveys with peers and compare their findings with the data presented in the paper.
- Have students discuss how public perceptions of climate change can influence policy change.
Related Resources:
- Follow this resource with this related resource to see how Americans in 2026 view public policy and politics when it comes to climate change.
Scientist's Note:
- In giving a detailed analysis of Americans' beliefs about climate change, the study provides many examples of data visualization and gives insight into how scientific studies are conducted using surveys.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
Yale Program on Climate Change Communication
The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication conducts scientific research on public opinion and behavior. They also engage the public in climate change science and solutions, in partnerships with governments, media, companies, and civil society.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
