From Watts Up With That?

As we navigate through another winter season, it’s hard not to notice the ever-pervasive narrative of climate change influencing public perception. A recent Rasmussen Poll reveals a fascinating, albeit concerning, trend: while the majority of Americans report this winter being no worse than usual, a significant portion still believe climate change is exacerbating extreme weather. This finding, coupled with the shifting attitudes toward electric vehicles, paints a complex picture of public opinion and media influence.

The survey of 1,125 American Adults was conducted on January 15-17, 2024 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.”

https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/general_lifestyle/january_2024/most_believe_climate_change_makes_winter_worse

The poll indicates that 38% of Americans feel this winter has been harsher compared to previous years, a slight increase from 30% in 2022. However, a noteworthy 50% don’t see any difference, and 12% remain unsure. Despite these figures, a staggering 59% believe climate change is likely causing more extreme weather, including severe snow storms.

It’s essential to approach these findings with a critical eye. The correlation between personal experience and belief in climate change’s impact raises questions about the influence of media and societal narratives. Among those convinced of climate change’s role in extreme weather, nearly half report a worse winter experience, contrasting sharply with those skeptical of this connection.

The poll also sheds light on demographic differences. More women (63%) than men (55%) lean towards believing in climate change’s impact on weather severity. Younger adults, particularly women under 40, show a higher tendency to attribute extreme weather to climate change, compared to their older counterparts.

Interestingly, perceptions vary across economic and racial lines. Higher-income individuals appear more likely to believe in climate change’s role in extreme weather. In contrast, less than half of those earning under $30,000 a year share this belief. Racial differences also emerge, with varying degrees of belief across different groups.

“Forty percent (40%) of whites, 33% of blacks and 37% of other minorities say this winter has been worse where they live than it has been in past years. Fifty-seven percent (57%) of whites, 71% of blacks and 61% of other minorities think it’s at least somewhat likely that climate change is causing more extreme weather.”

https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/general_lifestyle/january_2024/most_believe_climate_change_makes_winter_worse

Another intriguing aspect of the survey relates to electric vehicles (EVs). Despite significant promotion and investment in EVs, public enthusiasm seems to be waning. Only 29% of Americans consider an EV for their next vehicle, a notable decrease from 40% last year. This shift could reflect a growing recognition of the practical limitations and economic implications of EVs, contrary to the idealistic portrayal often seen in media and political discourse.

This brings us to a critical point: the gap between perceived and actual climate realities. The consistent belief in worsening winters, despite contradictory personal experiences and historical data, suggests a powerful narrative at play. One must question the role of media, education, and political rhetoric in shaping these perceptions.

Furthermore, the decline in interest in electric vehicles might indicate a growing skepticism towards solutions presented as panaceas for climate change. The public seems to be recognizing the complexities and trade-offs involved in such technologies, moving beyond the initial enthusiasm driven by idealistic portrayals.

https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/general_lifestyle/january_2024/most_believe_climate_change_makes_winter_worse