Many U.S. Teens Worry About Climate Change but Misunderstand Its Causes

A survey commissioned by the Aspen Institute found that more than 80% of U.S. teens are worried about climate change, but only about half knew that human activities, especially fossil fuel use, are the primary cause. Even fewer recognized the broad scientific consensus that people are responsible for the changing climate. Teens who heard more about the topic from teachers were more likely to answer correctly, suggesting education can reduce misunderstandings.

The Aspen Institute commissioned the survey. Laura Schifter, affiliated with the institute, discussed its findings. Over eight in ten U.S. teenagers said they felt concern about a changing climate. Roughly half linked the problem mainly to emissions from people's use of fossil fuels. An even smaller share knew that the overwhelming majority of climate researchers attribute the phenomenon to human influence.

Teens who said they learned about the subject often or somewhat often from teachers tended to answer more accurately than peers who did not. Schifter suggested this points to opportunities for schools and families to correct misconceptions. Her organization supplies materials to help districts add climate instruction and to support conversations between adults and young people.