Climate Crisis Poll: 61% of Voters Link Extreme Weather 2026

A new study reveals that the climate crisis is increasingly on the minds of American voters, with 61% of likely voters believing extreme weather events have become more frequent over the past five years. This polling from Data for Progress, shared exclusively with the Guardian, highlights a growing consensus even as political figures downplay global heating.

Key Findings on Extreme Weather and Climate Change

The survey, conducted amid a summer of dangerous heat, drought, and floods, shows that a majority of Americans are connecting these events to the climate crisis. Notably, 67% of respondents said climate change is making heatwaves worse, the highest percentage for any extreme weather event surveyed.

Bipartisan Concern Emerges

While 72% of Democrats and 63% of Independents see more frequent extreme weather, nearly half of Republicans (46%) also agree. This suggests that direct experience with extreme conditions is bridging partisan divides. “If we can find consensus on that, that can be an entry point to having a more bipartisan conversation about climate intervention,” said Grace Adcox, senior climate strategist at Data for Progress.

What This Means for Climate Action

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a longtime critic of “climate-hushing,” noted that the public is “way ahead of the politicians on the dire consequences of climate change.” The data indicates that despite efforts to polarize the issue, personal experiences with extreme weather are driving awareness.

Key Takeaways

• 61% of voters believe extreme weather events have increased in frequency over five years.
• Heatwaves are the most commonly linked event to climate change (67%).
• 48% of Republicans acknowledge climate change worsens heatwaves, the highest among GOP subgroups.
• The poll suggests a potential entry point for bipartisan climate dialogue.

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