Polls Show Youngest Americans Are Skeptical of Global Warming

When it comes to global warming, there is a wide variety of opinions. While mainstream science contends that it’s an open-and-shut case, others believe quite the opposite. There are also plenty of folks in-between who do believe the planet is warming, but that it’s not being caused by human activity. You wouldn’t know that if you talked to most global warming advocates, though. To them, climate skepticism is a kooky, marginal opinion that will soon go the way of the dodo.

Recent polling has proven otherwise, however. Not only is climate skepticism widespread, but it’s becoming increasingly popular among our youth.

Data provided by the Harvard Public Opinion Project found that nearly half of Americans between the ages of 18-29 didn’t believe in the mainstream theory. 20 percent believed that global warming is happening, but is just a natural process, while another 23 percent believed that it is nothing more than an unproven theory. Those between the ages of 18-20 were found to be the most skeptical.

More importantly, this generation is wary of government measures to stop global warming. When asked if “Government should do more to curb climate change, even at the expense of economic growth,” 28 percent of 18-20 year olds agreed, while only 8 percent strongly agreed.

If the next generation of Americans are this skeptical of global warming, it’s doubtful that future environmental policies will gain enough support to succeed.

Joshua Krause is a reporter, writer and researcher at The Daily Sheeple, where this article first appeared. He was born and raised in the Bay Area and is a freelance writer and author. You can follow Joshua’s reports at Facebook or on his personal Twitter. Joshua’s website is Strange Danger.