Americans Expect Climate Change to Harm the World More Than Themselves, Survey Finds

A new YouGov survey finds Americans increasingly expect climate change to cause severe global consequences such as economic damage, mass displacement, and rising sea levels, yet most do not believe they personally will experience significant harm. Only 16 percent say climate change will cause a large amount of harm to them personally in the next 50 years, compared with 41 percent who think it will significantly harm the world overall.

For claims adjusters, this perception gap has practical implications. When policyholders underestimate their own exposure, they may delay mitigation steps, underinsure property, or be surprised by exclusions and deductibles following a loss. This dynamic is especially relevant in catastrophe-prone regions where extreme heat, flooding, wildfires, and severe weather increasingly drive claim frequency and severity.

The survey also highlights partisan and age-based differences that can surface during the claims process. Younger adults and Democrats are more likely to expect catastrophic impacts within their lifetime and to report anxiety related to climate change. Republicans show declining concern compared to 2025 polling. These differing views can shape how insureds interpret loss causation, responsibility, and the role of climate change in individual claims.

Local impacts matter most for adjusters on the ground. Extreme heat, air pollution, water pollution, flooding, and natural disasters rank among the top environmental concerns in respondents’ communities. These stressors correlate with property damage, business interruption, health-related claims, and infrastructure strain. As climate-driven events become more localized and chronic rather than episodic, adjusters may see increased scrutiny on valuation, causation, and long-term damage assessments.

The findings also suggest many Americans believe they are doing their part environmentally, while viewing broader institutional responses as insufficient. For the insurance industry, this reinforces the need for clear communication around risk, resilience, coverage limitations, and loss prevention. As climate impacts continue to shape underwriting and claims outcomes, understanding how policyholders perceive risk can help adjusters manage expectations and reduce disputes.