Majority of US Voters See Climate Crisis as Driving Up Living Costs, Yale Poll Finds
Around 65% of registered US voters believe that global heating is affecting the cost of living, according to polling conducted by Yale University.
The climate crisis has been linked to extreme weather events that drive higher food costs, with notable spikes observed in prices of coffee and chocolate due in part to climate-related impacts on production.
Rising home electricity costs and increasing home insurance premiums are also tied to the climate crisis, compounded by policies enacted during the Trump administration that limited the deployment of solar and wind power.
Communities have seen backlash against new datacenters, with critics concerned over associated emissions and higher power bills stemming from AI-related infrastructure expansion.
Anthony Leiserowitz of Yale highlights that climate solutions can also reduce living costs and stresses the importance of framing to influence public concern.
The Trump administration has been accused of dismantling environmental regulations, firing federal scientists, reducing climate information availability, and supporting fossil fuels while labeling renewable energy as a con and attempting to ban some solar and wind farms.
Polling also reveals broad public opposition to the administration's climate policies: approximately 80% oppose restrictions on climate information and efforts to eliminate FEMA, while 65% oppose blocking offshore wind farms.
White House officials, however, argue that Trump restored energy and sustainability policies aimed at promoting energy abundance and lowering costs for Americans.
Public opinion shows partisan divides, with 59% of voters indicating support for climate-action candidates; within conservative Republicans, 21% would back a climate hawk while 37% would prefer the opposite.
