climate change
change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns for an extended period, not necessarily current or recent
--Agreed Upon Solutions

Executive Summary

A large majority of respondents see the financial cost of ignoring climate change as exceeding the cost of taking action, with 90‑96% agreement . They also view recent extreme heat events as evidence that major climate tipping points have already been crossed, with 87‑94% agreement .

Furthermore, 75‑85% expect SEC‑mandated climate risk disclosures to compel corporate action and create business incentives for climate solutions .

  • Ignoring climate change is perceived as more expensive than mitigation (90‑96% agreement)
  • Major climate tipping points are considered already reached, signalling an emergency (87‑94% agreement)
  • SEC climate‑risk disclosure rules are expected to force corporate action (75‑85% agreement)
  • Strong financial and regulatory incentives for low‑carbon energy adoption are widely advocated
Key Takeaway

Public sentiment strongly backs proactive, incentive‑driven policies to address an emerging climate emergency.

What People Believe

Cost of Inaction vs. Mitigation

Ignoring climate change will become more expensive than addressing it, with 90%‑96% agreement. Respondents view the financial impact of not acting on climate change as surpassing the costs of remediation.

Perceived Climate Tipping Points

Participants believe major climate tipping points have already been reached, creating an emergency, with 87%‑94% agreement. The recent record heat events are seen as evidence of a crossing of critical climate thresholds.

SEC Climate Disclosure Impact

SEC‑mandated climate risk disclosures will force companies to take climate change seriously, with 75%‑85% agreement. Regulatory disclosure requirements are expected to create business incentives for climate action.

Suggested Policies and Actions

Implement strong incentives for low‑carbon energy adoption

Respondents highlight that the cost of ignoring climate change will soon exceed the cost of fixing it, underscoring the financial prudence of proactive measures such as strong incentives. Many also view recent record heat events as evidence that major climate tipping points have already been reached, describing the situation as an emergency and reinforcing the urgency for immediate low‑carbon energy policies. Regulatory actions like SEC‑mandated climate risk disclosures are expected to compel companies to take climate change seriously, providing additional institutional support for incentive‑based approaches. The poll participant explicitly called for robust financial and regulatory incentives to accelerate the transition to lower‑carbon energy sources and minimize global warming soon.

Vote Details

Observation
The cost of ignoring climate change will soon exceed the cost of fixing it.
--albertj

Vote Details

I think we've hit tipping points
I'm very concerned we've already hit a major climate tipping point. The temperature graph for 2023 just kind of... diverges away from the graphs of the past (hundred+) years. 2024 isn't better. The hottest four days ever recorded were all within the past two weeks. Climate change is an *emergency*.
--spring

Vote Details

Observation
The SEC forcing companies to disclose the risks climate change creates to their business will force companies to take it seriously.
--albertj

Vote Details

bbetty77479
There should be strong incentives for switching to lower carbon energy sources so we can minimize global warming soon.
--bbetty77479