The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication’s mission is about educating, informing, warning, persuading, mobilizing and solving the global warming problem. The program feels that, climate change communication is shaped by our different experiences, mental and cultural models, and underlying values and worldviews. Their research seeks to identify and understand these different audiences as a first step to more effective education and communication on the issue.
The Yale Program on Climate Change survey, “Climate Change in the American Mind” is a biannual, national research project that tracks public knowledge, attitudes, policy preferences, and behaviors regarding global warming. The surveys are conducted in partnership with the Center for Climate Change Communication at George Mason University.
The findings of the Fall 2025 Climate Change in the American Mind survey found that 72% of Americans believe global warming is happening, outnumbering non-believers by over 5 to 1. Additionally, 58% attribute it primarily to human activity, and 25% of Americans are classified as alarmed.
- Widespread Belief:72% think global warming is happening; 13% do not.
- Human-Caused: 58% believe it is caused mostly by human activities.
- Scientific Consensus: 57% understand that most scientists agree global warming is happening.
- Growing Alarm: The “Alarmed” segment has grown to 25% of the population, more than doubling from 11% in 2015.
- Worries: Majorities are concerned about extreme weather, including air pollution (78%), water pollution (77%), and extreme heat (73%).
Photo courtesy of NOAA