3 out of 4 people believe in climate change
The number of Americans who answered that they believe in climate change went up significantly from the previous survey. In 2020, it was 65% of respondents, and in 2022 that grew to 74%.
While 3 out of 4 of the general population believes in climate change, there are some stark differences across demographics. For example, as age increases, belief in climate change decreases. Only 2 out of 3 Boomers believe in climate change, versus a whopping 4 out of 5 of Gen Z. Women were also more likely to believe in climate change than men.
Belief in climate change also varied based on region. The Northeast had the highest percentage of people believing in climate change (81%) and the South had the lowest (69%).
The number of people who believed that climate change was causing more frequent and severe storms also decreased. 59% of people believe climate change is causing more frequent or severe weather where they live, compared to 65% of people in 2020.
When we asked which natural disasters people were most concerned about, “severe thunderstorms” was the most commonly answered. In fact, concern for thunderstorms increased over the 2020 survey. Concern about wildfires also doubled from the previous survey two years ago.
Interestingly, the number of people who were most concerned with tornadoes, hurricanes and floods all went down, even though 2020 was a record-breaking year producing 30 named storms. Then in 2021, Hurricane Ida, the sixth-costliest storm in U.S. history, occurred with adjusted costs of about $83 billion.[2] Both 2020 and 2021 also saw a leap in tornadoes.
Americans have actually become less prepared for severe weather events
When asked what specific steps they had taken to prepare for severe storms or natural disasters, 35% of people said they had taken no steps to prepare (up from 15% in 2020). In fact, every potential preparation that was asked about from making a disaster plan to increasing home insurance coverage, had fewer respondents having done them, usually by a decrease of around 10%.
The most frequently selected step people had taken was preparing emergency home supplies, followed by storing copies of important documents.
Yet again, there were differences based on geographies. 44% of California respondents had taken no steps to prepare for severe weather or natural disasters, versus 26% of Florida residents.
People are increasingly unsure how climate change is affecting their insurance
When it comes to insurance as a means to protect people’s homes and vehicles from severe weather events, one thing is clear — people are increasingly unsure of how climate change is affecting their insurance.
How to prepare for extreme weather
Even though fewer people are preparing, climate scientists warn that extreme weather is likely only going to become more prevalent as the global climate rises.
To prepare for the next major event, experts suggest that you:
Know your risks
- Understand what severe storms and natural disasters could impact you where you live. You can check your risk for flooding via FEMA flood maps, but remember that low-risk areas can still see catastrophic events.[3]
- Check your insurance coverage so you know which events you’re financially protected against — and which ones aren’t covered. While you’re at it, check your policy limits and coverage details. You don’t want to be surprised to find out after the storm that you’re not covered to replace your stuff or rebuild your home.
Get prepared
- Create a home inventory and store it online or in a safe location away from your home. Use whatever method is best for you — a smartphone app, printed checklist or a photo or video record of every room (including the basement and garage).
- Discuss your disaster plan with your family and build an emergency kit.[5] Consider special supplies you might need for pets, young children and senior members of your family.[6]
- Do what you can to reduce your risk. Remove hazards like dead tree limbs and brush from your property. Consider adding storm shutters or hardier roofing to your home. If severe weather is in the forecast, try to protect your car with covered parking.
- If you’re concerned your home, car or personal belongings aren’t adequately protected, take time now to buy or increase insurance coverage. It takes 30 days for most flood insurance policies to take effect. When a storm is on the horizon, it’s usually too late.
Methodology
The Zebra conducted a consumer survey with panel provider Maru Blue in March 2022. The general population sample size was 935. The census was balanced for age, gender and region.
All participants had to be over 18 years of age and U.S. residents.