In recent years, the scientific community has established considerable evidence in support of the fact that the Earth is warming due to Anthropogenic Climate Change; a phenomenon that is largely attributed to human activities. This phenomenon has often been regarded as a political issue, although it has since shifted into the realm of science and economics. In turn, most political parties in the United States are now divided into two camps based upon their perception of the change. As a result of this divide, the question arises as to whether conservatives believe in global warming and if so, to what degree?
The answer to this question is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, recent surveys conducted by the Pew Research Center have indicated that a majority of Americans, including conservatives, now recognize the reality of global warming. Indeed, Gallup survey estimates as recent as 2019 suggest that 88% of Republicans accept the notion that the earth has been warming over the past century. The same survey also revealed a decrease in the proportion of Americans who believe global warming is caused by human activities; indicating a change in the positions taken by conservatives.
However, it should be noted that some conservatives continue to reject the notion of global warming. For example, the Koch Network, which is often associated with conservative politics, has been active in rejecting the notion that human activities contribute to climate change. It has sought to fund research geared towards negating the evidence that supports this notion, based upon the idea that any efforts to mitigate the effects of global warming would result in increased taxes and bureaucracy for businesses. Consequently, there remains a certain level of skepticism about global warming among conservative groups.
That being said, recent studies have indicated that there is an increasing trend towards evidence-backed acceptance of global warming among conservatives. According to the most recent survey conducted by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, the number of Republicans who acknowledge human-made global warming has nearly doubled since 2014, with the percentage rising from 33% to 63% in that time frame. Relations to environmental organizations have also increased, with support among younger conservatives rising as high as 65%.
It can be argued that this shift in opinion can be attributed to several factors. On one hand, there is an awakening of sorts among many Republican voters, as they are beginning to realize the damaging potential of climate change upon long-term economic prosperity. Additionally, there has been prominent engagement by religious groups on the issue of global warming, which has further contributed to the acceptance of this issue among the conservative base. Finally, the increased availability of reliable scientific information, coupled with rigorous reporting by the media, has enabled the public to understand this issue to a greater extent and thus, take better informed positions.
Given the current state of affairs, it appears that an increasing proportion of conservatives are becoming increasingly cognizant and accepting of the reality of global warming. As they come to terms with the implications of this phenomenon, the responses, attitudes, and decisions of the right-wing political groups will have a significant bearing on the world we live in. Thus, it is essential that this trend be monitored, and further initiatives taken in an effort to facilitate a more widespread understanding and constructive ownership of this problem.
