A new Yale survey finds that two-thirds of U.S. voters link global warming to higher living expenses. Most Democrats and moderate Republicans share this view, with many citing increases in groceries, utilities, and insurance. The findings come amid a recent inflation spike reported by the Commerce Department.
The survey from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication shows that a majority of those respondents attribute climate impacts directly to higher grocery bills, utility costs, and home insurance premiums. Energy prices topped the list of concerns.
A separate study co-authored by UCLA law professor Kimberly Clausing estimates that American households pay between $400 and $900 more each year due to climate effects, with insurance premiums accounting for the largest share at an average of $356 extra annually. Electricity costs rose by about $35 per household on average.
Clausing noted that rural areas, including parts of the West, Gulf Coast, and Florida, face some of the highest burdens from events like wildfires and hurricanes. The LCV Victory Fund announced plans on Monday to target voters concerned about energy bills ahead of November midterms.
Anthony Leiserowitz, director of the Yale program, said health effects remain underrecognized, with only 35 percent of respondents connecting climate change to higher medical costs despite estimated annual damages of $103 per household from premature deaths linked to wildfire smoke and other factors.
