WASHINGTON — In just three years since moving to Florida, Matt Ries has already experienced what many have been calling extreme weather events. Last summer’s scorching heat was followed by a series of hurricanes hitting in quick succession, and this winter saw a drastic drop in temperatures, even bringing snow to areas unaccustomed to such cold. For Ries, a 29-year-old Tampa resident originally from Ohio, these occurrences are clearly indicative of climate change. “It’s obvious to me,” says Ries, a project manager at an environmental firm. He identifies as a conservative-leaning independent and acknowledges, “Things are changing drastically; there are extreme weather patterns globally. I do think human activities are accelerating this process.”
A recent poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that approximately eight out of ten U.S. adults have experienced some form of extreme weather in recent years. Moreover, about half attribute their personal experiences to severe cold weather or winter storms. Notably, three-quarters of those who have faced severe cold suspect that climate change plays a role, understanding that global warming can contribute to atmospheric instability, allowing frigid Arctic air to travel further south.
The poll notes that people in the Midwest are particularly familiar with severe cold, with about seven in ten adults in the region reporting experiencing harsh winters over the past five years. Comparatively, this figure drops to around half among those in the Southern and Northeastern U.S., and even less for those in the West.
Reflecting on the connection between cold winters and climate change, Liane Golightly-Kissner from Delaware, Ohio, remarks on its counterintuitive nature. The 38-year-old recalls that her family coped with extreme cold by allowing taps to trickle to prevent pipes from bursting due to freezing. She perceives an increase in the frequency and duration of these cold spells compared to her childhood in Michigan.
The survey reveals that although only around a quarter of U.S. adults feel climate change has had a major impact on their lives, four in ten foresee significant effects within their lifetimes, concerning their health, air quality, and water resources. Younger adults, especially those under 30, are more likely to anticipate personal impacts.
Overall, about seven in ten Americans recognize that climate change is occurring. These individuals often believe that it has already significantly impacted them or will do so in the future, while those skeptical of climate change are less concerned. Anthony Leiserowitz, director of Yale’s Program on Climate Change Communication, notes increasing awareness due to media coverage and political dialogue. While many still view climate change as a distant issue, growing numbers understand its current impacts.
Residents like Rosiland Lathan from Minden, Louisiana, share similar sentiments. Remembering hotter summers and colder winters, including being snowbound at work, she doesn’t need convincing of the climate’s shifting patterns. The recurring 100-degree heat spikes and icy conditions reinforce her belief in climate change’s impact.
Aside from the personal experiences of weather extremes, concerns extend to financial implications. The AP-NORC survey found that about sixty percent of Americans worry about rising property insurance premiums, and more than half fret over increased energy costs. Many are also concerned about the financial strain on local emergency services and infrastructure. Notably, this concern varies across political lines, with Republicans generally less concerned.
The poll highlights broad support for various policies aiding those in areas increasingly prone to disasters, such as financial assistance for rebuilding and fortifying homes. Conversely, opinions on restricting new construction in these vulnerable zones are more divided.
Golightly-Kissner advocates for rebuilding restrictions and improved building codes in disaster-prone regions. “These extreme weather conditions are here to stay; ignoring them is unwise,” she says. She emphasizes the need for forward-thinking approaches to manage future occurrences as they continue to unfold. “It’s not a question of if, but when.”
This AP-NORC survey was conducted with 1,112 adult participants and carries a margin of error of ±4.1 percentage points.
