Climate change and the American Dream are increasingly at odds for U.S. voters, according to new polling that finds 58 percent believe a warming planet will make it harder to achieve or hold onto that ideal over the next two decades. The survey, conducted by Data for Progress this spring among 1,167 likely voters, includes 42 percent of Republicans who see climate change as a barrier.
A majority of likely voters think climate change will get in the way of the American Dream
Grace Adcox, a senior climate strategist at the progressive think tank, said the results show strong concern about climate change as a threat to aspirations associated with the American Dream.
The findings come as President Donald Trump has tied the “American Dream” to rolling back climate-related regulations. His administration has moved to reconsider mandatory greenhouse gas reporting, reverse vehicle emissions rules, and ease restrictions on coal, citing economic freedom and growth.
Even so, voters’ immediate worries center on affordability. More than half of respondents named the cost of living as the top threat to achieving the American Dream today, aligning with broader polling on inflation pressures. An analysis from Investopedia estimates that traditional milestones like home and car ownership and raising children now total about $5.3 million per household. Only 2 percent of voters pointed to climate change and extreme weather as the greatest current threat.
Cost of living tops worries now, but voters fear climate-driven expenses ahead
Why the apparent gap? Many voters connect climate change to rising costs. More than half said they are very worried that climate impacts will make life more expensive over the next 20 years, a higher share than those focused on hotter temperatures, severe weather, crop losses, or degraded natural areas.
Research indicates those expenses are already arriving in household budgets. A study from MIT earlier this year found U.S. families are paying an additional 400 to 900 dollars annually because of climate effects, including higher utility bills and insurance premiums, with costs exceeding 1,000 dollars in the hardest-hit counties.
With midterm contests approaching, climate and clean energy advocates have emphasized high energy prices, a leading concern in battleground districts. They argue that expanding wind and solar can help lower bills, and that efforts to block offshore wind and slow other renewable projects will keep costs elevated.
Trump has criticized climate policies as a “Green New Scam,” highlighting potential costs of taking action. But the poll suggests that message is not resonating broadly. When asked to choose phrases reflecting their view of climate policies, only 6 percent selected “an expensive burden on working people.” Republicans in the survey were more likely to describe climate action as a distraction from other priorities or as misguided, while the most common response overall was that such policies are “a critical step to protect our environment.”
Adcox said the results indicate voters may be less swayed by narratives that frame climate action primarily as sacrifice or expense.
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