During the summer months, many Americans like Levena Lindahl in North Carolina struggle with soaring electricity bills due to the increasing need for air conditioning to combat extreme heat. Lindahl, 37, noted a significant increase in her electricity costs over the years, attributing it to a gradual warming trend caused by climate change. A recent survey conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about 7 in 10 Americans have experienced an impact on their electricity bills and outdoor activities due to extreme heat in the last year.
The effects of extreme heat are taking a toll on various aspects of people’s lives across the country. Jim Graham, a resident of Phoenix, Arizona, is concerned about his dog’s safety during hot weather and has seen a considerable rise in his monthly electricity bills. About 4 in 10 Americans reported unexpectedly high utility bills in the past year due to extreme weather conditions. Many individuals, like Lindahl and Graham, draw a connection between these challenges and climate change, with 7 in 10 adults linking severe weather events to climate change.
Extreme heat is not only impacting finances but also health and daily routines. The poll revealed that about 1 in 10 Americans experienced a major impact on their sleep due to extreme heat in the past year, while 55% reported no impact. The effects of extreme heat are felt more keenly in the West and South regions, where individuals report disturbances in their sleep and exercise routines. Additionally, about 6 in 10 Americans noted that extreme heat has affected outdoor activities for themselves or their families.
Despite the evident challenges posed by extreme heat, there are varying beliefs regarding the cause of climate change. While 70% of U.S. adults acknowledge climate change, opinions on its origins differ. Around 6 in 10 individuals attribute climate change mostly to human activities, while others believe it is influenced by a combination of human activities and natural changes in the environment. Furthermore, there has been a notable increase in concern about climate change among about half of Americans over the past year.
The poll, conducted in July 2024 with a sample size of 1,143 adults, aimed to provide insights into how Americans are grappling with the impacts of extreme heat and climate change. Despite differing viewpoints on the causes of climate change, the effects of extreme heat are being felt across the nation, prompting individuals to adapt their lifestyles and make adjustments to cope with rising temperatures.
