For COP28, here is what you need to know about public opinion on climate change

COP28 is under way, and world leaders have already scored their first victory: progress toward a climate disaster fund for countries affected by climate-related disasters.

That said, the track record of progress at previous COPs is spotty. But given the recent record-setting temperatures, billion-dollar climate-related disasters, and the growingly dire predictions from climate experts, will anything change at this year’s conference?

COP28 is also headlined by one notable absence: U.S. President Joe Biden, who is reportedly missing the event because he is consumed by the regional crises in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Below are five charts on the worsening climate disaster, where the American public stands on climate change, and how missing COP28 might affect Biden’s reputability on the environment.

1. A record-setting summer. Between major climate-related catastrophes and record-setting temperatures, this summer was the hottest ever recorded. But it is not just the summer; this year is on pace to be the hottest year on record. How is the world reacting?
2. Climate change is coming. Climate change is no longer an invisible threat. A majority of Americans say they think it will have a severe impact on their area in the next 10 years, roughly in line with views around the world. Leaders at COP28 should remember that the more severe the impacts of climate change, the more their performance on this issue will be scrutinized. It’s an issue that can only rise in importance. Watch this space.
3. Too little, too late? Few Americans think governments, businesses, and citizens are working hard enough when it comes to tackling climate change. The same trend holds across much of the rest of the world. COP28 gives world leaders the chance to address this dissatisfaction. Will this COP be any different? We will see.
4. Consequences for Biden. Specifically in the U.S., President Biden’s approval on the environment is low. Young Democrats, a key group to Biden’s electoral success, are less likely than older Democrats to approve of Biden’s handling of the environment. Missing COP28? Another knock on Biden’s record.
5. It’s important, but not a death blow. Yes, Americans care about the environment. But, in the short term, Biden may be better served focusing on improving the economy (and his messaging around the economy). Does it matter that Biden didn’t show up to COP28? Probably not for most of the public.

There’s growing unease with a climate catastrophe on the horizon, and that’s reflected in the numbers. Many across the world now feel climate change will severely impact their area in the coming years.

Given this growing concern, will world leaders move quicker toward progress at this year’s COP? We will see.