Survey finds most Americans link climate change to rising health risks
A nationally representative survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that 65% of U.S. adults believe climate change is increasing heat-related, respiratory, and insect-borne illnesses. The survey also showed that 76% of respondents said extreme outdoor heat affected their daily activities at least sometimes in the past year. These results come after NOAA reported the warmest summer on record for the contiguous United States.
The survey, fielded in August 2026 among nearly 1,900 U.S. adults, found that personal experience with extreme weather correlates with belief in climate-related health risks. Those who encountered heat, wildfire smoke, or flooding were more likely to attribute rising illness risks to climate change. Awareness of intensifying heat waves has held steady at roughly 62% since late 2023.
Financial strain accompanies these environmental pressures. Nearly half of respondents reported unexpected utility costs tied to severe weather, while smaller shares faced higher insurance premiums or medical expenses. These findings align with NOAA's confirmation of the hottest summer on record for the lower 48 states and the UN's report of record global sea surface temperatures.
This survey suggests climate change's health and financial effects are becoming tangible for many Americans, not just abstract concerns. Households may face growing pressure from utility bills, insurance costs, and medical expenses as extreme weather events become more common. Public perception appears responsive to direct experience, which could shape how communities prepare for future heat waves and wildfire seasons. However, the stability of these figures across recent years indicates attitudes may be consolidating rather than shifting dramatically.