Two-Thirds of Americans Back Climate Action as Only 14% Support More Fossil Fuels
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 17
Two-Thirds of Americans Back Climate Action as Only 14% Support More Fossil Fuels
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 17
Summary
About two-thirds of Americans remain worried about climate change, and Yale polling shows support for climate action has held steady despite Donald Trump’s push to expand oil, gas and coal.
Just 14% of voters want candidates to push more fossil fuels, while only 7% support decreasing renewables, undercutting the idea that Trump’s anti-wind and pro-drilling agenda reflects a mainstream view.
That support has persisted even as climate coverage has shrunk across US media and other issues such as inflation and the Iran war have crowded out the topic, creating what Yale’s Anthony Leiserowitz called a “spiral of climate silence.”
Costs may be helping sustain concern: a majority of voters now link rising expenses to climate change, and research this year estimated US households pay $400 to $900 more annually from climate impacts, topping $1,300 in some counties.
The disconnect leaves US climate politics in an unusual place—public concern remains broad, but politicians and media have pulled back as Trump unwinds Biden-era policies and boosts fossil fuels, including $700 million for coal plants this month.
Despite strong public support for renewables, why is the energy debate shifting back towards fossil fuels?
When will the rising financial burden of climate change on households reshape national energy policy?
As climate change makes homes uninsurable, is the American housing market facing a hidden collapse?
The Widening Partisan Chasm on Climate Action: U.S. Public Opinion, Policy Barriers, and the Future of Clean Energy (2026)
Overview
As of 2026, most Americans recognize that global warming is happening, are concerned about its effects, and believe human activities are the main cause. However, a deep and growing partisan divide shapes how people view climate change and support related policies. Republicans often question the seriousness and urgency of the issue, while Democrats generally support strong climate action in line with scientific consensus. These ideological differences, influenced by recent presidential administrations, have a strong impact on public debates and make it difficult to build unified support for climate initiatives in the United States.