Most Americans aren’t thinking about climate’s impact on their wallet… yet

The Ipsos Consumer Tracker, fielded on Ipsos' Omnibus platform, asks Americans questions about culture, the economy and the forces that shape our lives. Here's one thing we learned this week.

Why we asked: As we head into Climate Week surrounded by news of heat waves, wildfires and more climate craziness, we wondered if folks are thinking about the costs.

What we found: Most people are not, in fact, thinking about what climate change is costing them. Only 39% do, and only 12% think about it “a great deal.” This is a number we’re going to watch, and the fact that younger folks are thinking more about it is a signal. 

To be sure, it is costing people. Insurance costs, energy costs, food costs… there are real price increases folks are already paying. But again, only 39% say they’re thinking about it that way… so far. Those that are, are focused on the near-term, close-in things like energy and food costs. So, there are certainly signs here that it’s all just conflating with overall budget concerns about energy and food. Lost income from work/business disruptions, housing affordability and medical expenses are lower on the list but likely coming for us all.