Survey shows Americans have growing doubts over global warming | NYU's Daily Student Newspaper

The report found that 59 percent of the U.S. believed that there was evidence of global warming, down from 79 percent in 2006. In 2006, about 50 percent of Americans thought global warming was caused by humans, while today only 34 percent do. The number of people stating that global warming was a serious problem dropped from 43 percent in 2006 to 32 percent as well.

Christopher Schlottmann, NYU associate director of environmental studies, said he believes the changing attitude can be explained by the economy.

"In bad economic times, as now, people prioritize their economic welfare over most other issues, including climate change," Schlottmann said. "The recent rise of the far right, and significant increase in industry funding in elections, has increased the power of the movement of denying climate change."