Fatma Zehra Solmaz
24 February 2025•Update: 24 February 2025
ISTANBUL
A significant portion of Americans remains deeply skeptical about climate change, according to the latest I&I/TIPP Poll data.
Between Jan. 29 and 31, some 1,478 adults participated in an online poll asking how much they trust statements made by climate change activists and policymakers.
The US and other developed nations followed a global strategy to reach "net-zero" carbon emissions and combat climate change until President Donald Trump decided to undermine the net-zero emission goal by withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on his first day in office.
Trump's decision ended America's participation in this effort.
About half of those surveyed said they completely (20%) or somewhat (30%) trust climate change claims, while 36% expressed distrust -- 20% completely and 16% somewhat.
Additionally, three out of four Americans agreed there are valid reasons for public skepticism toward climate change policies, and just over one-third admitted they personally do not trust the information used to promote past policies.
Political leanings play a crucial role in shaping opinions on climate change.
A large majority of Democrats (67%) express trust in these claims, with only 21% showing distrust.
In contrast, only 37% of Republicans trust the claims, while a notable 51% are skeptical. Independents fall in between, with 47% trusting and 35% distrusting the statements.
Trust in climate change claims also increases with income.
Among those earning $30,000 or less annually, 46% expressed trust, for incomes between $30,000 and $50,000, trust was 47%, and it rose to 51% for those making $50,000-$75,000.
The highest income group, earning over $75,000, showed a trust rate of 63%.
A follow-up question explored the reasons behind public skepticism toward climate change policies.
Twenty-five percent blamed unclear scientific data, 22% pointed to the hypocrisy of leaders and activists, 17% were concerned about economic impacts, and 8% thought the media exaggerates the risks.
Only 8% believed there isn’t widespread skepticism, while 16% were unsure.
Polls consistently show that while many Americans believe climate change is real, it’s not a top concern. For instance, a Pew Research Center survey ranked it 17th out of 20 national economic issues.
Policy shifts and reversal of climate goals
On Feb. 17, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright criticized the push for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, calling it "sinister."
He said: "It’s both unachievable by any practical means, but the aggressive pursuit of it -- and you’re sitting in a country that has aggressively pursued this goal -- has not delivered any benefits, but it’s delivered tremendous costs." His comments were made at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship forum in London.
Since taking office, Trump has worked to reverse former President Joe Biden’s goal of "zero net emissions" by 2050.
On the first day of his second term, Trump signed an executive order to pull the US out of the Paris climate agreement -- a move he had also made during his first term before the country later rejoined under Biden.
In his order, Trump wrote: "In recent years, the United States has purported to join international agreements and initiatives that do not reflect our country’s values or our contributions to the pursuit of economic and environmental objectives."
"Moreover, these agreements steer American taxpayer dollars to countries that do not require, or merit, financial assistance in the interests of the American people," he added.
