A recent report from Zillow Economic Research surveyed Americans' feelings on climate change and initiatives to address its effects, breaking down responses by age groups. The Zillow Housing Aspirations Report found most young adults ages 18 through 34 believe climate change will affect them personally. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of 18-to 34-year-olds said they expect climate change will affect their homes or communities "somewhat" or "a great deal" at some point in their lifetimes. Roughly half (51%) of 35–to 54-year-olds said the same, compared to 49% of respondents 55 and older. Not surprisingly, respondents in the most at-risk areas say they anticipate the most impact from climate change, compared to respondents in the Midwest who were the least likely to say they will be affected by any implications of climate change, despite this year's abnormally high flood activity in this region.

Feelings on combating climate change

Respondents' feelings on possible climate change fixes were much more universally accepted. On both sides of the political aisle, most respondents support laws that would restrict building in high-risk areas, receiving support from 78% of Democrats, 62% of Republicans, and 70% of identified Independents. A majority were also united in their lack of support for raising taxes to fund infrastructure or relocation. Only a quarter (27%) support increasing taxes to pay for relocation, while 42% said they would be willing to pay higher taxes to fund infrastructure. Young adults were more likely to support each initiative except for raising taxes, although they were more accepting of this idea than older age groups. In the slideshow above, find Zillow's survey results on young adults' feelings on different climate change initiatives, outlining what they are most and least likely to support when it comes to combating climate change risks. See also:

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Danielle Ling

Danielle Ling is an experienced video journalist and business reporter. As associate editor, Danielle manages all multimedia and reports on industry news and risk-related coverage, managing all weather-related content. A University of Maryland and Philip Merrill College of Journalism alum, Danielle previously served as a video journalist for Verizon FiOS 1 News NJ, Push Pause. Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn or email her at [email protected].

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