Fact Check: "Global warming has cooled off considerably as a pressing issue for the public."
What We Know
Recent data indicates that public concern regarding global warming remains significant and is, in fact, increasing. According to a Gallup poll conducted in March 2025, a record-high 48% of U.S. adults believe that global warming will pose a serious threat to them or their way of life, up from 44% the previous year. This represents a notable increase from just 25% in 1997. Furthermore, 63% of Americans now believe that the effects of global warming are already occurring, matching the all-time high recorded in 2017.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) also projects that global temperatures are expected to remain at or near record levels in the coming years, with an 80% chance that at least one of the next five years will exceed 2024 as the warmest year on record. This suggests that the scientific consensus is that climate change remains a critical issue with serious implications for the future.
Analysis
The claim that global warming has cooled off as a pressing issue for the public is contradicted by multiple sources of data. The Gallup poll shows that not only is concern about global warming high, but it is also increasing among various demographic groups, particularly among Democrats and independents. The increase in concern is likely influenced by recent extreme weather events, which have heightened public awareness and urgency regarding climate change.
Additionally, the WMO report emphasizes that global temperatures are expected to rise, reinforcing the notion that climate change is an ongoing and escalating issue. The report indicates a significant likelihood of record-breaking temperatures in the near future, which aligns with the increasing public concern reflected in the Gallup survey.
While there is a notable percentage of Americans (41%) who feel that the seriousness of global warming is exaggerated in the news, this does not equate to a decrease in concern about the issue itself. The majority of respondents still express worry about global warming, indicating that while perceptions of media coverage may vary, the underlying concern about climate change remains robust.
Critically, the sources used in this analysis are reputable and well-regarded. Gallup is a leading organization in public opinion polling, and the WMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations focused on meteorology and climate science. Both sources provide credible data that supports the conclusion that global warming remains a pressing issue for the public.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that global warming has cooled off considerably as a pressing issue for the public is false. Evidence from recent surveys and climate reports indicates that concern about global warming is not only persistent but is also increasing among the American public. The data shows that a significant portion of the population recognizes the seriousness of climate change and its potential impacts on their lives.
Sources
- Record-High 48% Call Global Warming a Serious Threat
- Where Americans stand on climate change heading into 2025
- WMO Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update (2025-2029)
- Climate concerns persist in 2025 but faith in government action wanes
- Climate Change in 2025: Where Do We Stand?
- What to Expect in Climate Change in 2025: Opportunities Amid Challenges
- American Climate Perspectives Survey 2025, Vol. I
- What You Need To Know About Climate Change In 2025
