The Climate Change Debate is Changing. Here's the Data to Prove It.

Written by Kyle Simpson, Associate Deputy Secretary of Energy in the Clinton Administration, and Brett Loyd, former RNC Polling Director and current President of the nonpartisan Bullfinch Group. While a political mismatch, they've found that more brings them together than separates them. Now long-time friends, they have traveled the world together, enjoying the old-school art of disagreeing while being agreeable.

As The Bullfinch Group mission states:, "If we produce unbiased data, appreciate varying perspectives, and believe there is common ground to be found, then we can accomplish more together than we can apart."

People can debate the importance of climate change, or the impact that human actions have on our environment, ‘til the cows come home. That’s your right. But it’s time to acknowledge that wherever you stand on climate change, public sentiment on the issue is baked. And it’s not even close.

A recent nationwide poll conducted by The Bullfinch Group shows that a vast majority of registered American voters (77%) think that human actions cause and/or accelerate climate change.

To dig in a bit deeper, well over half of self-identified Republicans (62%), Independents (80%), and Democrats (89%) agree that human actions cause and/or accelerate climate change. We have the beginnings of an issue that Americans can agree on!

So how do we go from acknowledging a problem to creating a solution? We ask the public.

When asked which statement do you most agree? We see a plurality of Republicans (30%), Independents (33%) and Democrats (43%) say that reducing or eliminating climate-changing emissions from the energy we use is a more effective way to stop or slow climate change. We also see large numbers of registered voters (30%) say that changing the sources of the energy we use is a more effective way to stop or slow climate change.

Now, you yourself don’t have to agree with these policy stances, but 65% of registered voters said that specific human actions can reduce or eliminate climate-changing emissions.

Furthermore, by a staggering 29-point margin, registered voters believe reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the production and use of natural gas or oil in the U.S. and around the globe is an effective way to reduce climate change.

Say what you will about climate change and energy use in America, but know that this is an issue that gains majority support from voters. Americans recognize that climate change is a concern and that human actions cause and/or accelerate it. And, there is more than one pathway for humans (or our elected officials) to take in order to reduce or eliminate climate-changing emissions – at least in the minds of a majority of voters.

The climate change discussion is maturing. We’ll be keeping watch.  

Written by Kyle Simpson (Lean Left bias) and Brett Loyd (Center bias).

This piece was reviewed and edited by Isaiah Anthony, Deputy Blog Editor (Center bias).