Dunlap, R. E., McCright, A. M., & Yarosh, J. H. (2016). The political divide on climate change: Partisan polarization widens in the U.S.

Title: The political divide on climate change: Partisan polarization widens in the U.S. Authors: Dunlap, R. E., McCright, A. M., & Yarosh, J. H. Year: 2016

Summary: In "The Political Divide on Climate Change: Partisan Polarization Widens in the U.S.," Dunlap, McCright, and Yarosh (2016) examine the growing partisan divide in the United States regarding climate change beliefs and policy preferences. The authors analyze the factors that have contributed to the increasing polarization between liberals and conservatives on this critical issue and discuss the implications of this divide for climate policy and public opinion.

Using data from various public opinion surveys and studies, the authors demonstrate that the gap between Democrats and Republicans on climate change has widened considerably over the past few decades. They find that conservatives are more likely to be skeptical of climate change and oppose climate policies compared to liberals. This polarization can be traced back to factors such as the influence of conservative think tanks, the fossil fuel industry, and conservative media outlets that have promoted climate skepticism and opposition to climate policies.

The authors also discuss the role of political elites and party leaders in shaping public opinion on climate change. They argue that the polarization among political elites has contributed to the divide among the general public, as party identification serves as a significant predictor of an individual's climate change beliefs and policy preferences.

In conclusion, Dunlap, McCright, and Yarosh's (2016) article provides a comprehensive analysis of the growing partisan polarization on climate change in the United States. The findings highlight the significant challenges that this divide poses for climate policy and public opinion, as well as the need for strategies to bridge the gap and promote bipartisan cooperation on this critical issue.