Majority of US Voters Connect Extreme Weather to Climate Crisis, Poll Shows

A new poll released this week shows that a majority of Americans now link the extreme heat, drought and flooding of the summer to the climate crisis, even as former President Donald Trump continues to dismiss global warming as a “con job” and a “hoax.” The findings, cited by senior climate strategist Grace Adcox of Data for Progress, suggest that public concern about climate change is outpacing the messaging of many politicians.

The survey, conducted by a leading polling firm, found that 56 % of respondents believe that recent severe weather events are caused by climate change, while only 14 % see them as unrelated or purely natural. Trump’s repeated denials—most recently on a television interview where he labeled the science “a hoax”—have not halted the trend, according to Adcox. She noted that the data reflect a growing disconnect between the scientific consensus and the political narrative, indicating that efforts to downplay climate risks are increasingly ineffective.

The results underscore a widening gap between public perception and political rhetoric on environmental issues. As the nation faces another hot, dry, and flood‑prone season, the poll’s implications point to a need for clearer, science‑based communication from elected officials to match the growing public awareness of climate change’s tangible impacts.