How Extreme Weather Events Shape Public Support for Climate Change Policies

A recent study has unveiled a crucial connection between extreme weather events and public support for climate policies. This research, featuring contributions from Stellenbosch University, was published in Nature Climate Change on July 1, 2025. It specifically highlights how experiences with extreme weather can shape opinions on climate action, especially in the Global South.

The study explored how people’s encounters with severe weather, alongside their beliefs about climate change, influence their support for five key climate policies:

• Increasing taxes on carbon-heavy foods
• Raising fossil fuel taxes
• Expanding public transportation
• Boosting sustainable energy use
• Protecting forests and natural areas

Using data from 68 countries, researchers found that individuals who linked extreme weather to climate change were more likely to back climate policies, regardless of how frequently those events occurred. The team suggested that there’s a possible two-way street: people who support climate policies are also more inclined to see extreme weather as a result of climate change.

Interestingly, not all policies received equal support. Only 22% and 29% of participants strongly backed increasing carbon taxes and taxes on carbon-intensive foods, respectively. In contrast, a whopping 82% supported initiatives to protect forests, and 75% favored increased use of sustainable energy. This reflects a strong public desire for proactive environmental care.

Support varied significantly across regions. Countries in Africa and Asia showed much stronger advocacy for climate policies, while nations like the Czech Republic, Finland, and Norway reported lower levels of support. Demographics also played a role; younger, urban males with higher education levels tended to be more supportive of climate initiatives.

The research also revealed that specific extreme weather events, especially heatwaves and tropical cyclones, affected perceptions more among individuals who strongly linked these events to climate change. This suggests that communities impacted by severe weather might be more motivated to push for relevant policies.

The findings reveal notable differences in how people attribute extreme weather to climate change globally. For example, many South Americans, particularly in Brazil and Colombia, are more likely to connect extreme weather to climate change due to their firsthand experiences. Conversely, residents of Northern Europe and certain African nations showed lower attribution, possibly due to less direct experience with climate-related issues.

These insights underscore the necessity for more effective climate change communication, especially regarding weather events that people often do not associate with climate impacts. As extreme weather events become more frequent, understanding public perception will be essential for driving future climate policy.

For deeper insights into climate change’s impact on policy support, you can explore the report’s detailed findings here: Nature Climate Change.

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