As the effects of extreme weather events are, quite literally, hitting closer to home for tens of millions of families, Americans are increasingly worried about the impact of climate change. And, according to a new report, the damage that storms, floods, wildfires, and droughts are causing is not just physical but also psychological.
Nearly 40 percent of Americans said that extreme weather events have damaged their communities over the past 12 months.
Ironically, that figure is highest in some parts of the regions governed by climate change deniers. For example, in the region containing Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee, a whopping 58 percent feel that way, while it is nearly half of respondents in the region comprising Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas.
Somewhat surprisingly, it is lowest in drought-stricken Colorado, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. However, in that region, residents are extremely concerned about the impact of extreme weather over the coming 12 months, with 74 percent saying they are either very or somewhat worried.
Overall, 57 percent of Americans feel that way, according to the report, which was a collaboration between Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation.
The facts show that they are right to be concerned. Extreme weather and climate events are increasing in frequency and severity. Last year, 23 of them caused $115 billion in damages. That’s the third highest total on record, and the only two years that were worse were 2023 and 2024.
Of course, all of this is taking place against the backdrop of an administration and Republicans in Congress who not only deny the existence of global warming but are taking active steps to make the US more dependent on fossil fuels and are rolling back funding for green technologies and environmental regulations.
But the damage is not just economic.
The report also found that being impacted by extreme weather also makes Americans less optimistic about their ability to shape their own paths in life.
In communities not affected by these events, 29 percent of people said they feel pushed by circumstances beyond their control. In areas that were impacted by extreme weather, that figure rises to 38 percent.
“When extreme weather strains the conditions opportunity depends on, including good jobs, affordable housing, trusted neighbors and healthy natural spaces, it can leave people feeling less in control of their own futures,” said Justin Lall, a principal at Gallup.
One of the baffling findings of the study is that Americans recognize the importance of nature.
Almost two-thirds of them either agree or strongly agree that nature is “essential” to the economy of their community. However, far fewer Americans have acted and voted accordingly in recent years, and that bill is now coming due.