The majority of Americans understand that climate change is real. Contrary to stereotypes, that’s true in both liberal and conservative states.

For example, 68 percent of people in Vermont say global warming is happening. And 63 percent of Texans agree.

Dobbs: “When you talk to the people of Texas and you ask them about these things, time and time again they show an interest in protecting our climate, in protecting our planet, in protecting our resources. And this goes across the political spectrum, across the social spectrum, across the geographic spectrum in our state.”

That’s Andrew Dobbs, a program director at the Texas Campaign for the Environment. He says recent severe droughts and floods have led to increased concern.

Dobbs: “Texans feel like they’re seeing their land and water and air change in this state. And they don’t like what’s happening. And there’s solid indications that climate change is playing a role in this.”

As a result, Dobbs says many Texans are energized to take action – even if they don’t consider themselves environmentalists.

Dobbs: “We know that once Texans who care about these issues are given a venue for acting on these things, and are activated in a new and dramatic way, that we will change everything. And when Texas changes, this entire country will change.”

Reporting credit: ChavoBart Digital Media.

Image graphic: Created by David McCarthy.

NOTE: Statistics on Texas and Vermont based on research conducted by Yale Program on Climate Change Communication.