Is Global Warming Real? Most Americans Say Yes

Allison Kopicki
JUNE 1, 2014 — NYT

The Obama administration is expected to announce new regulations Monday meant to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.

What do Americans believe about climate change, and how have those beliefs changed? Our overview follows.

First, a majority of Americans say that global warming is indeed happening, and the numbers have held relatively steady since the mid-2000s.

Every pollster uses different wording, producing varied results, but the overall pattern is consistent. According to Pew Research Center, 67 percent of Americans say there is “solid evidence that the earth is warming.” Gallup shows that 54 percent say the “effects of global warming have already begun.” In a CBS News poll conducted in May, only 11 percent said global warming did not exist.

(More here.)