Record High 48% of Americans See Global Warming as Serious Threat

A record-high proportion of Americans now view global warming as a serious threat to their lives, according to multiple recent surveys, with 48% expressing concern—up from previous years. Belief that the effects of global warming have already begun is also at its highest, with 63% of respondents agreeing, while fewer now believe its impacts are only future or will never occur. Despite this heightened awareness, the overall level of personal worry about climate change remains steady, suggesting a disconnect between recognition of the threat and emotional engagement. The surveys also reveal a growing partisan divide, with significantly higher concern among Democrats compared to Republicans. Meanwhile, skepticism about media coverage persists, as more Americans think news organizations exaggerate the seriousness of global warming. These shifts in public opinion occur amid increasing scientific concern about threats to climate science itself and the destabilization of key research institutions.