A recent survey reveals that climate change is increasingly recognized by Americans as a significant threat to their health. Conducted in December by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication and George Mason University, the survey highlights that 39% of respondents believe global warming is harming their health either a “great deal” or “moderate amount,” marking an 8% increase since 2014.
Moreover, the survey indicates a growing trust in health professionals and organizations like the CDC, EPA, and WHO for information on climate-related health issues. However, this trust faces challenges due to the current administration’s proposed budget cuts to the EPA, staffing reductions at the CDC, and the removal of climate data from government websites.
Edward Maibach, a principal investigator for the survey, points out the disconnect between public concern and governmental action. He argues that effective governance should reflect the priorities of the public, which does not appear to be happening under the current administration.
Additionally, nearly half of those surveyed recognize that climate-related health impacts are not felt equally across all demographics, indicating a growing awareness of environmental justice issues in relation to health.
