How Experience with Extreme Weather and Social Trust Improve Trump Voter’s Climate Change Perception?

• In Event: 50620 - Section on Environmental Sociology Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 5: Environmental Exposures and Beliefs

Abstract

Climate change has become increasingly severe, with substantial disruptions to human society. Although the U.S. is a major contributor, the issue remains deeply divided among Americans from different political factions. Using data gathered just before the 2024 Presidential election, this study explores how Americans perceive the risks and their willingness to take action. Descriptive statistics reveal a notable split, with Trump voters, Republicans, and conservatives being less likely to acknowledge the existence of climate change, its human cause, or express concern about its dangers. Structural equation modeling results confirm the political impasse regarding climate change perception and highlight the promoting effects of personal experience with extreme weather and social trust. More importantly, we present that the undermining effects of being a Trump voter can be attenuated by those factors, which enable this group to better perceive the threats, understand the causes, and feel motivated to take responsibility for addressing the issue. These findings contribute to the existing literature and have significant policy implications. Identifying strategies to overcome political barriers and increase public awareness of climate risks is essential to drive government action, advance pro-climate policies, and build necessary infrastructures, particularly in Republican-leaning areas that face disproportionately more substantial damages.

Author

• Feng Hao, University of South Florida