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Extreme Heat Fuels Widespread Climate Alarm as Americans Reject Cuts to FEMA and NOAA

July 9, 2025

A new national poll by ecoAmerica reveals that 86% of Americans report increased concern about climate change due to record-breaking heat waves, with the sentiment crossing political lines (97% of Democrats, 83% of Independents, and 79% of Republicans). Nearly 90% of respondents recognize extreme heat's impact on public health, with Black Americans showing some of the highest concern levels (91%) while also facing disproportionate exposure to extreme heat due to historical redlining practices that have left their neighborhoods up to 10 degrees hotter than nearby white areas. The survey also found growing bipartisan recognition that climate change is intensifying extreme weather events, occurring as proposals advance to cut funding for FEMA and NOAA, agencies critical for disaster response and weather forecasting that 79% of Americans worry will undermine the government's ability to address climate impacts.

Who is affected

  • Americans across demographic and political lines, with 86% reporting increased climate concern
  • Black Americans, who show 91% concern levels and face disproportionate heat exposure
  • Residents of historically redlined neighborhoods, which are up to 10 degrees hotter than wealthier areas
  • Black homeowners in cities like Atlanta and Baltimore facing higher heat risks and energy insecurity
  • Black renters, with over half struggling to afford adequate cooling during heat waves
  • Young adults (95%) and older adults over 65 (70%) expressing climate concern
  • Predominantly Black neighborhoods in the Gulf Coast and Southeast repeatedly displaced by hurricanes and flooding

What action is being taken

  • EcoAmerica is conducting the American Climate Perspectives Survey 2025 to track public sentiment on climate change
  • Proposals are advancing in Washington to slash funding for FEMA and NOAA
  • Americans are recognizing the connection between climate change and extreme weather events at increasing rates (82%, up 6 points since 2021)
  • Republicans are increasingly acknowledging climate change's role in extreme weather (up 17 points over four years)

Why it matters

  • Extreme heat is the deadliest climate hazard in the United States
  • Black Americans are 40% more likely to live in areas with the highest projected increase in mortality rates due to extreme temperatures
  • Cutting FEMA and NOAA funding threatens the nation's front-line defense against disasters and critical weather forecasting capabilities
  • The survey reveals bipartisan anxiety about the government's readiness to protect communities from climate impacts
  • Historical racist housing policies like redlining have created lasting vulnerabilities to extreme heat in Black communities
  • The widespread concern across political lines (79% overall) about government funding cuts indicates potential for bipartisan climate action

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer