The online discourse about climate change appears to be diverse and polarized across various platforms. Some voices emphasizing the urgent need for action and others dismissing climate change as a hoax or scam.

Public Opinion

Public discourse seems divided into two main camps: climate change believers and skeptics.

• Believers, often citing scientific studies and reports, argue for urgent action to mitigate the impacts of climate change. They often discuss the need for clean energy, carbon sequestration, and other technological solutions.  
• Skeptics question the reality of climate change and often accuse governments and elites of using the climate change narrative to exert control over the populace. They frequently cite historical climate changes to argue that current changes are part of a natural cycle.  

In the USA overall, average sentiment scores for topics related to climate change is 48%. However, in several key swing states, sentiment towards climate change dips below the national average.

• A significant portion of the public remains skeptical of climate change projections, often citing the perceived hypocrisy of elites on the subject.
• This skepticism is further fueled by media outlets and personalities who question the science behind climate change and criticize the perceived alarmism of environmentalists. 

These are the top topics related to climate change being discussed by Republicans and Democrats.

Climate Change in the Media

The press often discusses climate change in terms of imminent environmental disaster. There is a significant emphasis on the need for immediate, comprehensive action to mitigate the impacts of climate change. However, the public discourse appears to be more divided.  

• The term "climate events" is often used by media to refer to specific incidents, such as extreme weather events or natural disasters, that are linked to climate change.
• “Climate events” are often reported in the media with a sense of urgency and alarm. However, the public's reaction to these reports varies widely.
• The term "environmentalism" is used to refer to the political and social movement promoting environmental protection and sustainability.
• This framing of the issue resonates with many people, particularly those who identify as environmentalists or are concerned about the future of the planet.
• Some people are deeply concerned about the impact of these events and see them as clear evidence of climate change,
• Many skeptics question the link between these events and human-induced climate change, often pointing to historical climate variations as evidence that current trends are not necessarily abnormal or cause for alarm. 

Perceived Hypocrisy by Elites

A significant subset of the discourse revolves around the perceived hypocrisy of elites, celebrities, and the wealthy.

• Critics argue that these individuals preach about climate change while maintaining lifestyles that contribute significantly to carbon emissions.
• This critique extends to billionaires and corporations, with some arguing that these entities bear a significant responsibility for climate change.
• Many people argue that high-profile figures should lead by example and reduce their own carbon footprints if they are genuinely concerned about climate change.
• The perceived gap between their words and actions has led to accusations of hypocrisy and has undermined public trust in their advocacy for environmental causes.