Majority of Americans remain unafraid of climate change, says CNN analyst
- Data from CNN analyst Harry Enten indicates that 40% of Americans were greatly worried about climate change in 2025, a number unchanged since 2000.
- Despite numerous climate-related disasters, public concern about climate change has remained stable, rising briefly to 46% in 2020 before dropping back.
- This consistent sentiment calls into question the efficacy of climate activism in influencing public opinion.
In the United States, a recent analysis by CNN's chief data analyst Harry Enten highlights a persistent trend in public sentiment towards climate change. According to data collected since 1989, only 40% of Americans express significant concern about climate change as of 2025, a figure that has not shifted since 2000. This stability in public perception is notable, especially in light of increasing extreme weather events across the country. In fact, while a peak of 46% concern was observed in 2020, the following years saw a drop back to the 40% level, raising questions about the effectiveness of climate activism over the decades. Despite the surge in media coverage regarding severe weather incidents, including recent flooding in central Texas which resulted in casualties and significant property destruction, public fear surrounding climate change has not proportionately risen. Enten pointed out that even during episodes of devastation attributed to climate change, like the Texas Hill Country floods, the general populace's concern remains stagnated. Moreover, the commentary intertwined with these findings from public figures like Daniel Turner, Founder and Executive Director of Power The Future, places further emphasis on the debate surrounding fossil fuels and their role in climate discourse. Turner criticized claims made by climate activists, suggesting that attempts to link natural disasters directly to climate change often come off as opportunistic instead of genuinely constructive. This exchange indicates a fractious relationship between climate science advocates and certain political factions, illuminating a lack of consensus around the urgency and implications of climate change. The continuing division in public opinion underscores a broader challenge for climate activists, who have yet to make a compelling case that resonates with a significant portion of the American population. As of now, with a static 40% of Americans greatly worried and an ongoing string of environmental crises, the disconnect between perceptions and reality is expected to pose challenges for future climate initiatives and legislative efforts aimed at addressing climate change.