Full Breakdown
U.S. Climate Attitudes Shift: Alarmed Segment Doubles Over a Decade, 2025 Survey Shows
5/24/2026, 9:05:06 PM
Core Findings: Segment Sizes and Trends
The 2025 Climate Change in the American Mind survey finds 25 % of U.S. adults now “Alarmed” about global warming, up from 11 % in 2015 (+14 pp). The “Dismissive” segment stays at 11 %, so Alarmed outnumber Dismissive >2:1. “Cautious” fell from 24 % to 17 % (-7 pp). Combined Alarmed and Concerned reach 52 % (+10 pp since 2015). “Disengaged,” “Doubtful,” and “Dismissive” remain stable.
Background & Methodology
The Six Americas framework—Alarmed, Concerned, Cautious, Disengaged, Doubtful, Dismissive—was defined by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication and the George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication in 2009. The 2018 Six Americas Super Short Survey (SASSY) provides a four-question segment classification. The 2025 wave ran November 6-14, 2025 via the Ipsos KnowledgePanel®, a nationally representative online panel of U.S. adults (18 +). Results have a ±3 pp margin of error at 95 % confidence and are weighted to Census benchmarks.
Implications for Climate Communication
The expanding Alarmed and Concerned audiences create a larger constituency for solution-oriented messaging. Cautious and Doubtful segments still seek evidence on climate causes, requiring clear scientific communication. Media preferences diverge: Alarmed prioritize news websites or apps, while Concerned, Doubtful, and Dismissive rely on social media. Tailoring outreach to these channels and linking climate benefits to economic and governance concerns may broaden cross-political engagement.
Official Statements & Responses
The Yale Program observes that the growing Alarmed segment signals heightened public awareness of climate risks, while the stable Dismissive share indicates persistent ideological resistance. Survey designers stress segment-specific messaging, urging solution-focused appeals for Alarmed and Concerned and evidence-based explanations for Cautious and Doubtful. They also note that news-source preferences shape communication strategies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Alarmed and Concerned Americans are most interested in learning about solutions to climate change, and may be most responsive to messages asking them to get involved.” — Yale Program on Climate Change Communication
- “In Spring 2025, the Alarmed said that news websites or apps are their most important source of news.” — Yale Program on Climate Change Communication
- “Meanwhile, the Concerned, Doubtful, and Dismissive said social media is their most important source of news.” — Yale Program on Climate Change Communication
What’s Next
The program has released a new guidebook for applying SASSY in campaigns and education, featuring case studies and best-practice recommendations. Biannual surveys will continue to track segment shifts, providing updated data for policymakers, educators, and advocacy groups.
