Some resources from federal government sites are currently unavailable; when possible, we’ve provided alternative non-government links to ensure continued data access.
Provided by: Yale Program on Climate Change Communication |Published on: September 12, 2025
Scientific Reports
9101112AP
Synopsis
In this report from Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, students will analyze the results of a survey conducted to understand how adults think and feel about climate change and its impacts.
Students will view graphs, data tables, and summaries to understand the opinions of the 1,040 survey participants living in the United States about the beliefs, perceived risks of, and personal responses to climate change.
Authors: Anthony Leiserowitz, Edward Maibach, Seth Rosenthal, John Kotcher, Emily Goddard, Jennifer Carman, Marija Verner, Teresa Myers, Joshua Ettinger, Julia Fine, Emily Richards, Matthew Goldberg and Jennifer Marlon
By having the data visualizations, a written summary of the conclusions, and the data tables, students can have a better, more complete understanding of the survey results.
Though the text as a whole is quite long, the written portions are easy for students to understand and are organized in easily digestible parts.
Prerequisites
Students should understand climate change, what causes it, and how it impacts the Earth’s systems.
Differentiation & Implementation
Classes with limited time can read the executive summary of the study’s findings.
Teachers can highlight the part of the report that focuses on the feelings Americans have about climate change. Teachers can ask students to identify their own emotions about climate change, using this resource to identify and process their emotions.
Teachers can display a selection of the report's graphs and charts around the room. Students can visit these in stations, writing down what they notice and questions they have.
To make geographical connections, teachers can have students consider how a person’s location can influence their answers to these questions. Teachers can highlight the portion of Americans who have considered relocating to avoid climate change impacts as an example.
This resource can be connected to Sustainable Development Goal 13, Climate Action.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
Yale Program on Climate Change Communication
The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication conducts scientific research on public opinion and behavior. They also engage the public in climate change science and solutions, in partnerships with governments, media, companies, and civil society.
Related Teaching Resources
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.
