Recent Evolution of the Climate Change Dialogue in the United States

Abstract

Recent polls indicate that a majority of Americans believe that climate change is happening and is a problem that the nation must address. Likewise, political activity in the past year has catapulted climate change to the top environmental issue being considered by the current U.S. Congress. Even corporate America has demanded action on climate change. Several factors have contributed to this more proactive attitude toward climate change. The scientific community, the media, individual observations, recent extreme weather events, and the efforts of a wide array of governmental, grass-roots, and business organizations have all played a role in changing the tenor of the public dialogue. As a result, the nation is poised to take substantive action on climate change in the next couple of years and many governmental leaders are already seeking solutions.