The Climate Generation Gap Inside the GOP

For years, action on climate change has been stalled by a perceived, and often fueled, partisan divide. But new research from ecoAmerica reveals a shifting picture. Even in today’s polarized political climate, younger Republicans look strikingly similar to Democrats and Independents on a range of climate attitudes. Large majorities across the political spectrum — including Republicans aged <45 — report concern, feel empowered, and are taking action, with gaps of up to 30 points between Republicans under 45 and those over 45 years old. Together, these findings suggest an emerging consensus on climate change and a more hopeful outlook on one of the defining issues of our time.

Concern About Climate Change Crosses Party Lines

ecoAmerica’s national data reveals that 71% of Americans are personally concerned about climate change. This includes 70% of Independents, and climbs to 89% among Democrats. Among Republicans, a slight majority (55%) expresses concern. However, further analysis shows a more dramatic picture: younger Republicans under 45 are far more likely to worry about climate change than their older counterparts (73% vs. 42%). Our rapidly changing climate — from record-setting heat waves to extreme floods, wildfires, and hurricanes — has made the issue personal and urgent for Americans nationwide.

High Majorities Say “Yes, I can” Reduce Climate Pollution, Including Republicans Under 45

Most Americans now see themselves as part of the climate solution. Three in four (76%) say they can help reduce the pollution that is causing climate change. Strong agreement spans party lines, especially among Democrats (87%) and younger Republicans under 45 (82%), showing a striking point of climate consensus.

This sense of individual agency mirrors the broader demand for national leadership. As ecoAmerica’s recent research highlights, Americans across the political spectrum demand bold climate action, with 85% of Democrats and 75% of younger Republicans ready to vote for leaders who deliver solutions.

Everyday Climate Action is Commonplace

People can take thousands of actions to reduce pollution that causes our climate to change. The good news is that many of them are now commonplace. Two-thirds of Americans (66%) report conserving energy at home, like switching to efficient appliances or lighting. More than half (58%) say they talk about climate change with family and friends. These everyday behaviors, from household choices to conversations, may seem small, but they are powerful building blocks of cultural and political momentum for climate solutions.

Building Momentum For Collective Action

Concern about climate change is broad, personal, and active. Americans are taking meaningful steps in their daily lives and creating public will for collective solutions. Leaders must match this momentum with bold, practical action to protect communities and secure a healthier future.

“What once divided the country is now a shared reality. It’s clear that we now have a social mandate for climate action, calling for bold leadership to secure a safe and healthy future for all.” — Meighen Speiser, Executive Director, ecoAmerica

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Methodology
ecoAmerica designed and administered this survey, which was conducted online from June 26 – July 4, 2025, using SurveyMonkey. The survey yielded a total of 1,013 complete adult responses and used the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey to weigh the national general population and reflect the demographic composition of the US. The sample was drawn from an online panel, and the respondents were screened to ensure that they were over the age of 18. The margin of error for the sample is +/-3%. In interpreting the survey results, it is important to note that all sample surveys are subject to possible sampling errors. Thus, the results of a survey may differ from the results that would be obtained if the entire population were interviewed. The sampling error size depends on the total number of respondents in the survey and the percentage distribution of the responses to a particular question. For example, if 50% of the respondents in a sample of 1,013 respondents answered “Yes” to a particular question, we can be 95% confident that the true percentage would fall within 3 points or range from 47% to 53%.

Suggested Citation
Speiser, M., Ishaq, M. (November 2025). American Climate Metrics Survey 2025. Article III. The Climate Generation Gap Inside the GOP. ecoAmerica. Washington, DC.

© 2025 ecoAmerica. The contents of this article may be shared and used under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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