Except for Republican Members of Congress Climate Deniers are a Rare Breed in America

According to the latest research, the vast majority of Americans both Democrat and Republican embrace the veracity of anthropogenic climate change and want the government to do something about it. However, according to an analysis by the Center for American Progress, a solid majority (58 percent) of Republicans in the current Congress deny the existence of climate change or oppose action to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

John Krosniak is a social psychologist senior fellow and Stanford University Professor, his research (pdf) indicates that solid majorities in both blue and red states are worried about climate change. His analysis also says that majorities in both red and blue states want the government to act to reduce global warming causing emissions.

A vast majority of red-state Americans believe climate change is real and at least two-thirds of those want the government to cut greenhouse gases (GHGs). This holds true even in stridently red states like Texas and Oklahoma. More than 80 percent of Oklahomans and Texans accepted that climate change was occurring and 76 percent in both states want the government to act to limit GHGs

Krosnick’s analysis comprises more than 10 years worth of poll results in 46 states. Climate deniers were not the majority in any of the states studied.

In every state surveyed for which sufficient data was available:

At least three-quarters of residents are aware that the climate is changing.
At least two-thirds want the government to limit GHG emissions from businesses.
At least 62 percent want regulations that cut carbon pollution from power plants.
At least half want the U.S. to take action to fight climate change, even if other countries do not.

Click here for fact sheets