Partisanship shapes US attitudes to climate policy

Significance

Although acceptance of the reality of climate change is growing, views on how government should respond divide sharply by party affiliation. US polling data suggest that partisanship is a stronger factor in shaping public attitudes toward the risks and policies associated with climate change than an individual’s age or location.

Impacts

• The recently enacted Biden infrastructure bill includes significant funds to improve resilience and advance clean energy.
• One-quarter of the USD2tn spending bill now before the Senate is earmarked for issues associated with climate change.
• Work on climate issues in response to regional concerns will result in a patchwork of state and local policies.
• Changes in insurance availability for homes and businesses in vulnerable areas will be an increasing factor in policy decisions.