Climate Change Not a Myth to Arizonans

A majority from both parties believe climate change is occurring

PHOENIX (May 21st, 2019) – More than two-thirds of Arizona voters say climate change is occurring, according to the latest OHPI Arizona Public Opinion Poll (AZPOP).

"The existence of global warming has been hotly debated in the last decade but climate change deniers appear to be losing the battle in Arizona," said Mike Noble, chief of research for OHPI. "Arizonans of all political stripes told us that they believed climate change is occurring, including 51% of Republicans, who are generally portrayed as solidly against the idea of climate change."

Among the 18-34 age group, 87% believe climate change is occurring while only 10% did not. As respondents got older, belief in climate change decreased — just 58% of those above 65 said climate change is real.

Climate Change Occurring: Beliefs by Party and Age

Respondents who said "Yes" (n=412) that they believe climate change is occurring were then asked to measure their concern on a scale of 1 to 7, with 1 being not at all concerned and 7 being extremely concerned. 50% said they were extremely concerned while only 6% said they were not at all concerned.

Climate Change Concern Level Among Believers

"The intensity of concern surrounding climate change is really being driven by Democratic voters," said Jose Delgado, data analyst for OHPI. "A full 74% of Democrats said that they were extremely concerned — 30 points higher than independents."

While a plurality from all parties said they were extremely concerned, Republican responses appeared more balanced across the scale, with no category being distant from another by more than 12 points.

Methodology: Blended live caller and IVR survey completed May 1–2, 2019. Sample size: 600 completed surveys, MoE ±4%.

Media Contacts: