Americans are connecting climate change to health risks more than ever
Public awareness of climate-related health risks is rising, with more Americans recognizing the dangers of extreme heat, pollution, and respiratory issues, even as the federal government cuts funding for climate and health research.
Keerti Gopal reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- A survey from Yale and George Mason University found that 39% of Americans believe climate change is harming their health, an 8% increase since 2014.
- Trust in scientists, physicians, and public health agencies for climate-related health information has grown, despite declining trust in health professionals overall since the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The Trump administration has proposed major cuts to climate research funding and environmental regulations, even as public concern over climate-related health risks increases.
Key quote:
“The fact that we’re seeing such a strong uptick in public understanding that climate change is harming the health of Americans, we fundamentally are optimistic that that will build the public will for climate action.”
— Edward Maibach, director of GMU’s Center for Climate Change Communication and principal investigator on the survey
Why this matters:
Climate change is already affecting public health in measurable ways. Extreme heat, worsening air quality, and an increase in vector-borne diseases disproportionately impact vulnerable communities, including low-income populations, children, and the elderly. As public awareness grows, so does the potential for policy changes, yet government action remains uncertain. Meanwhile, misinformation about clean energy’s health effects continues to circulate, further complicating the conversation.
Learn more: Summer heat risks escalating in the US
