Real-world data shows extreme weather across the board is not increasing in frequency or intensity. However, due to the massive coverage of almost every severe weather event by mass media and instant video by citizens and storm chasers alike, there’s a false perception that severe weather has increased.
Further, improvements in Doppler radar technology and communication systems (cell phones, for example) have made it easier to detect and report severe weather events compared to just 30 years ago. The enhanced forecasting and coverage capability leads to a higher frequency of warnings and reports, creating the impression of increased activity. (1)
Results showing lack of concern are not surprising. There were earlier signs that public concern was dropping. In 2024, a Monmouth University poll asked Americans if they saw climate change as a very serious issue, and those numbers also indicated that fewer people were concerned compared to levels of concern in 2020.
In that study, there existed a very sharp decline among people in the 18-34 year od range, people who grew up with some of the most intense public propaganda in school and media. Their level of concern dropped by 17 points between 2021 and 2024. (2)
More than half of the US sees the media, not just as self-serving, biased hacks, but as the enemy itself. According to a survey by Rasmussen Reports, 60% agree with President Trump’s assessment that the media are ‘the enemy of the people.’ (3)
Also, more than half of registered voters rate making America energy independence higher than climate change. The poll also found that 59 percent of voter say reducing the cost of electricity and improving grid reliability and natural gas supply should take precedence over climate change. (4)