Yale Program on Climate Change Communication
Coverage of Yale Program on Climate Change Communication in the Nexus archive.
- America’s data center backlash is bipartisan — can it stay that way?
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and New York Governor Kathy Hochul have taken opposing approaches to regulating data center development, reflecting a bipartisan backlash against AI-ready facilities. Polling shows 70% of Americans oppose local data center construction, with 75% of Democrats and 63% of Republicans against it. At least 75 projects worth $130 billion were stalled or blocked in early 2026 due to concerns over energy use, resource depletion, and community impacts.
- What’s driving up your expenses? Many Americans say climate change.
Many Americans attribute rising expenses to climate change, with households paying $400–$900 annually due to extreme weather events. A Yale survey found two-thirds of voters link global warming to higher costs for groceries, utilities, and insurance, while political groups like the LCV Victory Fund target energy bill concerns ahead of midterms.
- Why are so many Democrats going quiet on climate change?
Democratic politicians have largely stopped mentioning climate change in speeches and media, with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse being a notable exception. The 2024 presidential election and concerns about voter priorities are cited as reasons for this shift, though experts argue there is no evidence discussing climate change harms Democrats politically.