Younger Americans have grown up with more exposure to the effects of global warming than their parents and grandparents. Perhaps it isn’t surprising then that polls find young adults are particularly concerned about global warming. A 2018 Gallup analysis found a “global warming age gap” in some beliefs, attitudes, and risk perceptions. For example, 70% of adults aged 18 to 34 say they worry about global warming compared to 56% of those aged 55 or older.
Although young adults in the U.S. may be more concerned about the climate than older adults, it is unclear to what degree they are engaged with the issue. In fact, one study found that younger generations exhibit less civic engagement on many issues, including the environment. In this report, we examine age differences in global warming beliefs and engagement across four generations of adults in the U.S. CONT.
Yale Program on Climate Change Communication & Center for Climate Change Communication, George Mason U.