Climate change is a controversial subject – even though there are daily examples of it, some with devastating affects to land, as well as human life. A Pew Research April 2023 poll showed that 54% of Americans view climate change as a major threat. That leaves 46% who think otherwise. Let’s look at climate change by the numbers.
Is Climate Change Natural, or Created by Humankind?
Recent Ipsos polling reveals a divided perspective among Americans regarding the causes and existence of climate change, with this division remaining consistent over the past five years.
Among those who attribute climate change to human activity, a majority acknowledges the potential for slowing or reversing its effects. Conversely, most individuals in this group are not willing to alter their behavior accordingly. Concurrently, a significant proportion of Americans continue to face more frequent or intense extreme weather events in their regions compared to a decade ago.
Forty-nine percent of Americans maintain their belief that climate change is mainly a result of human activities, with this percentage remaining unchanged since 2017 and 2018. Seven percent denies its occurrence altogether.
The Weather Doesn’t Care If You Are Republican or Democrat, But…
Partisanship plays a significant role in shaping these opinions, according to the Ipsos poll. About 46% of Republicans attribute climate change to natural patterns. In contrast, only 13% of Democrats believe that to be true.
Are You Willing To Make Changes?
Less than half of Americans express willingness to make changes within the next year. These changes would include using public transportation, switching to electric vehicles, and opting to walk or bike instead of driving for shorter distances. Democrats are more inclined than Republicans to take such measures.
Despite the mixed views on climate change, 54% of Americans still hold the belief that it is not too late to address and halt its progression. Democrats are more optimistic in this regard, with 60% believing in the possibility, compared to 52% of Republicans.
Who Is Experiencing Climate Change?
Everyone. The Ipsos survey also reflects that most Americans have experienced some form of extreme weather, with the perception of increasing frequency and intensity varying across regions.
Sixty-seven percent say unusual weather for the season has gotten more frequent; 60% say it has become more intense in their region compared to ten years ago. Fifty-five percent call-out extreme heat as an issue, 43% mention poor air quality or air pollution.
Weather in The Western US
For example, 63% of respondents from the West reported a higher prevalence of extreme heat, 58% report droughts, and 65% noted wildfires becoming more intense compared to other regions.
Weather in The Midwestern US
Fifty-one percent of Midwesterners say extreme heat has become more intense, and more frequent.
Weather in The Northeast US
Fifty-four percent of those living in the northeast say extreme heat has become more intense, and more frequent.
Forty-seven percent in the northeast have seen increased flooding, and that hurricanes and tropical storms have become more intense.
Weather in The South US
Fifty-two percent of southerners say extreme heat has become more intense, and more frequent. Thirty-three percent of those living in the south feel that tornadoes have become more frequent.
Can We Become Carbon Neutral?
A Pew Research Poll conducted in April 2023 found that 69% favor the US taking steps to become carbon neutral by 2050, and the same number contend that the US should prioritize developing renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, rather than expanding the production of oil, coal and natural gas.
Carbon neutrality dictates releasing no more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than is removed and was outlined as a goal by President Joe Biden. Fifty-free percent of Republicans oppose this. Climate experts say it’s necessary to significantly reduce carbon emissions, in order to slow the pace of climate change.
Climate Change Viewed Differently By Age
The same Pew Research Poll found that while Americans are reluctant to phase out fossil fuels all together, the younger demographics are more open to it.
Fifty percent of Americans ages 18 to 29 say the US should use a mix of energy sources, including fossil fuels, while 48% say we should focus exclusively one renewables.
Age disparities are apparent within both the Democratic and Republican parties. Among Democrats and Democratic-leaning individuals, 62% of those aged 18 to 29 support the complete phasing out of fossil fuels, while this position is shared by only around four-in-ten Democrats aged 50 and above.
On the Republican side, regardless of age, there is widespread support for maintaining a mix of energy sources, including oil, coal, and natural gas. However, interestingly, 22% of Republicans aged 18 to 29 advocate for the US to entirely phase out fossil fuels. In contrast, this perspective is less prevalent among Republicans aged 50 and older, with fewer than one-in-ten holding the same view.
So, How Do We Know Climate Change Is Real?
While Earth has experienced natural climate fluctuations throughout its history, the current warming trend stands out as unprecedented in the last 10,000 years. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) acknowledges a significant paradigm shift in scientific understanding, with human activities now firmly established as a driver of climate change since the 1970s.
Numerous scientific sources, drawing from a variety of data, reinforce the unmistakable evidence of a shifting climate. Information gathered from natural sources such as ice cores, rocks, and tree rings, combined with data from modern tools like satellites and instruments, all converge to highlight the undeniable signs of this transformation. These indicators encompass a rise in global temperatures and alarming melting of ice sheets, providing compelling evidence of our planet’s ongoing warming process.
IBS Treatment: Not One-Size-Fits-All
Welcome to the realm of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a prevalent and chronic disorder that affects over 1 billion individuals worldwide. Despite its widespread occurrence, IBS is far from a one-size-fits-all condition. Each person’s experience with IBS is distinct, with a unique set of symptoms and challenges.
In this exploration of IBS, we will shed light on the intricacies of its diagnosis, delve into effective symptom management strategies, and ultimately uncover valuable takeaways to empower those navigating this condition. Whether you’re a patient seeking understanding or a caregiver offering support, this comprehensive guide to IBS will provide valuable insights for everyone involved. Read: IBS Treatment: Not One-Size-Fits-All
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
We scoured the Internet to see what people had to say about gas station food. If you think the only things available are wrinkled hotdogs of indeterminate age, and day-glow slushies, we’ve got great, tasty news for you. Whether it ends up being part of a regular routine, or your only resource on a long car trip, we have the food info you need. Let’s look at 6 gas stations that folks can’t get enough of and see what they have for you to eat. Read 6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
18 of the World’s Deadliest Foods: How Many Are You Eating?
Whether you eat to live, or live to eat, let’s make sure you live to see another day! These are some of the world’s deadliest foods. They can bring on extreme symptoms, ranging from paralysis to seizures, choking and even death, so don’t go tucking these into your lunchbox. Click for 18 of the World’s Deadliest Foods: How Many Are You Eating?
10 Of The Worst Tasting Drinks People Pretend To Like
Hold onto your taste buds, because we’re about to embark on a flavor-filled adventure through the realm of beverages! Sure, we all need water to survive, but let’s be real – drinks are so much more than just basic hydration. Recently, the question of which beverages people secretly think taste awful sparked a fiery debate. Boozy elixirs, non-alcoholic refreshments, and everything in between were thrown into the mix. Brace yourself as we unveil the truth behind the drinks we pretend to love. Get ready for a wild ride of taste revelations! Read 10 Of The Worst Tasting Drinks People Pretend To Like
Alive or Dead? You Be The Judge… 15 Famous People Rumored To Be Alive After They Were Reported Dead
There are many celebrities who have been rumored to be alive after they were reported dead, either because of false reports, hoaxes, rumors or conspiracy theories.
You be the judge…. Are they really alive or dead as claimed? Read: Alive or Dead? You Be The Judge… 15 Famous People Rumored To Be Alive After They Were Reported Dead
14 Of The Craziest Hacks People Use Mayonnaise For – Even In The Bedroom!
After you click through this slide show you will never look at a jar of mayo the same way again. Trust us. Click for 14 Of The Craziest Hacks People Use Mayonnaise For – Even In The Bedroom!
Take Back Control: How to Identify and Tackle Medical Gaslighting
What is medical gaslighting? Medical gaslighting refers to a situation in which healthcare providers dismiss or diminish the symptoms that an individual is experiencing, attempting to persuade them that the symptoms are attributed to an alternative cause or are mere figments of their imagination. Medical gaslighting can leave you questioning your own experience. And at worse can lead to undiagnosed serious illness.
Learn the signs and the ways in which you can take back control if this happens to you. Read: Take Back Control: How to Identify and Tackle Medical Gaslighting
Don’t Fall For These 17 Foods That Pretend To Be Healthy
Have you heard the term “Dr. Google”? That’s when you turn to search engines and the Internet to provide health and medical information – and unless you know how to vet sources, it is a mine field of faulty information. Here are 17 foods that you might have heard are “healthy”, but we have the whole story. PS: the moment a food becomes a trend, research carefully. We’re looking at you bulletproof coffee!
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17 Of The Most Expensive Foods In The World: Would You Pay This Much To Eat Any Of These?
These days our food budget is not going very far, even for everyday foods. And yet, there are still those who seek out extravagant foods, regardless of price. I guess we can live vicariously through these pictures. Maybe someday someone will bestow a 4-pound white truffle upon us, but until then, this will have to suffice.
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19 Of The World’s Most Overrated Foods
We have foods we love, and those we won’t touch. We all have our own likes and dislikes, but what are the most overrated foods? That was the question posed on this Reddit thread by Even_Cause_3478. There were a lot of opinions. Some made sense to us, and some were things we had never thought of before!
What is the most overrated food in your opinion?
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Miracle at 30,000 Feet: What Happens When a Baby is Born During a Flight?
Have you ever wondered What Happens If You Give Birth On a Plane? Who delivers the baby? Where do you deliver the baby? What is the child’s citizenship, and do they get free trips for life?
Is Cash Still King In Your Life? 13 Reasons People Still Carry Cash
Cash. It never used to be controversial, but these days it appears that there are those on both sides of the coin (so to speak). For those of us of a certain age we can remember our mothers always telling us to keep a $20 bill in our shoe or bra, in case of emergencies. Now many of us struggle to find a coin to put in the meter.
Cash lovers, and those who never carry it. What’s the reasoning, either way? A Redditor was thinking the same thing, and asked the question, Do You Still Carry Cash? These are the answers they got. Read Is Cash Still King In Your Life? 13 Reasons People Still Carry Cash
