What Drives Public Opinion on Climate

Public opinion drives policy. In August, Pew Research reported despite growing impacts, climate change is a lower priority for Americans than other national issues. This week in the newsletter, learn the many local ways public opinion shapes climate action - from emotions, to protests, to rebuilding trust in institutions.

– Michael Crowe, Editor/Project Manager, Covering Climate Collaborative

Reporting from Our Partners

A handdrawn graphic of moisture moving through the atmosphere. Via KUNC Denver

KUNC Denver: Study: How we feel when learning about climate change influences our support of climate policies

Researchers found that the emotions people feel — or don’t feel — when learning about climate change impact their support of policies on the issue.

A protestor holds a sign saying "Climate Action Now" at an event in Portland, Oregon. Via KGW News.

KGW Portland: Young people take to Portland streets to demand Oregon climate change action

Hundreds of Portland students came armed with more than placards and megaphones. They also had specific demands for state officials.

New Mexico PBS: The Future of Fire in New Mexico

An in-depth conversation with US Forest Service officials about the "wildfire crisis" in New Mexico, and management policies for a warming climate. Ending with the question: why should folks trust officials?

News from the Collab

Prof. A.R. Siders is superimposed on a graphic showing historic flood buyouts.

What journalists should know about covering climate migration

A summary of Prof. A.R. Siders chat with the Covering Climate Collaborative - from our high aspirations to cascading billion-dollar disasters.

From Our Science Partners

A graph from climate central showing the ride of their climate shift index between june and august

Climate Central: Wildfire Smoke: Nationwide Health Risk

New analysis from our partners at Climate Central finds the average person in the U.S. has breathed in more harmful wildfire smoke in 2023 than in any year since 2006. This year is part of a trend of increasing fire weather, which fuels the flames and smoke that put health and safety at risk in our warming climate.

What we're reading

To protect wild bumblebees, people have to find them first, a climate impact piece in High Country News
The Heat Gap, the last edition of Grist's limited run newsletter "Record High" on extreme heat
NPR Climate Week just wrapped up, a solutions oriented project spanning the globe

You can support the work of the climate collab by donating to our GiveButter fundraising campaign here. Donations are tax deductible, and help us continue these important projects.

The LMA Covering Climate weekly newsletter is made possible

with support from the Google News Initiative.

View in browser