A recent poll conducted by AAPI Data and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States are more likely than the general adult population to acknowledge the existence of human-caused climate change. The survey found that 84% of AAPI adults agree that climate change is real, compared to 74% of U.S. adults overall.
Furthermore, three-quarters of AAPI adults who accept climate change attribute it primarily to human activity, a higher percentage than the general U.S. adult population. This data sheds light on the environmental views of a group whose perspectives are often underrepresented in mainstream surveys due to small sample sizes and lack of linguistic representation.
Scientists widely agree that emissions from fossil fuels are driving global temperature increases, disrupting weather patterns, and threatening wildlife. Despite this consensus, there is a growing divide within the Republican Party regarding climate change, with some members dismissing it as a hoax while others, particularly younger generations, emphasize the urgency of addressing the issue.
The poll also highlights the impact of education and exposure to scientific fields on individuals' environmental views. AAPI conservatives, like many others in the community, recognize the reality of climate change, with a notable emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
Concerns about climate change are not limited to the U.S., as many AAPI individuals have ties to countries heavily impacted by environmental challenges. Recent events in countries like China, Japan, Pakistan, and India underscore the global nature of climate change and its far-reaching consequences.
The data from this poll underscores the importance of engaging with AAPI populations on environmental issues. While they represent a relatively small percentage of the U.S. population, their numbers are growing rapidly, making them a significant demographic for environmental advocacy and policy initiatives.
Overall, the survey results emphasize the shared concern among Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders about climate change and the need for collective action to address this pressing issue.
