The Yale Climate Opinion Maps is an interactive tool that provides granular data on climate change beliefs, risk perceptions, and policy support across the United States. It allows users to explore how public opinion varies at national, state, congressional district, and local levels. Finance professionals can use these insights to understand regional sentiment toward climate policies and transition risks.

Organisation behind the tool

The tool is developed and maintained by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, a research centre based at the Yale School of the Environment.

What the tool does

• Visualises public opinion on over 30 climate-related questions including beliefs, risk perceptions, and policy preferences.
• Provides data at multiple geographic scales, including national, state, metropolitan area, county, and congressional district levels.
• Allows users to filter data by specific years to track shifts in public sentiment over time.
• Offers downloadable datasets for independent analysis and research.

Target audience

The primary audience includes policymakers, researchers, educators, and journalists. It is also a valuable resource for advocates and private sector professionals seeking to gauge regional support for climate action.

Relevance to finance professionals

• Risk assessment – Identification of regions with high risk perceptions, which may correlate with local support for stringent environmental regulations or litigation.
• ESG analysis – Understanding social license to operate for high-carbon or renewable energy projects based on local public opinion.
• Investment context – Analysis of regional support for specific policies, such as carbon taxes or renewable energy subsidies, to inform long-term infrastructure and energy investments.