Peoples’ political party affiliation. Republicans tend to have the highest percentage of climate change deniers in the United States when compared to libertarian or Democratic voters.

According to the University of Michigan, 15% of Americans are active climate change deniers. The study found that the highest prevalence of climate change deniers are located in the middle of the United States, from the Canadian border in North Dakota down to Louisiana. In these states, 20% of people on average do not believe in climate change. However the most influential factor in determining if someone believes in climate change is actually in peoples’ political party affiliation. Republicans tend to have the highest percentage of climate change deniers in the United States when compared to libertarian or Democratic voters. Interestingly, climate change deniers are also highly prevalent in populations that have low COVID vaccination rates as well. This can be attributed to skepticism of science in this group. Trump seems to be one of the most influential people on social media regarding this group of climate change deniers, because his posts are considered to be identity-affirming for Republicans in their following.

One solution that could be proposed to help discussion develop amongst climate change deniers would be to try to get in touch with government officials in this current administration who recognize climate change and would be able to assist in providing community education about climate change amongst Republican constituents. Another solution would be to get a public figure who is a Republican who acknowledges climate change to speak on behalf of the science behind climate change, which could encourage Republican voters to reconsider their stance. I think it would be an uphill battle to maintain this effort with the level of divisive commentary in the contemporary U.S.  political environment. However, to get someone from the same party who is educated, knowledgeable and influential in the matter who could speak on climate change would be a good resource to convince Republicans who deny climate change to learn more about the topic.

One potential person to ask for this might be the Chairwoman of the Conservative Climate Caucus, Rep. Marionette Miller-Meeks (R-IA). Rep Miller-Meeks understands how important the role of renewable energy is in the climate crisis due to her home state of Iowa being highly powered by renewable energy itself. She would like to see the continued development of renewable energy resources and the trading overseas of electricity fueled by renewable energy. She understands how important it is, according to a recent interview, for the United States to continue to lead in its development of renewable energy resources and sees its effects in Iowa: over 63% of her home state’s energy is powered by wind energy, the most of any state. She seemed determined during the interview to make a change in Washington DC to influence Republican voters to consider climate change in their voter decision-making process.

Miller-Meeks is not available by email to constituents, however an appearance could be requested at the following webpage: Request an Appearance | Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard US Country Manager, Abby Carlson.