After years of drought and last fall's epic heat wave, California is recovering from an intense winter and spring on Earth Day

Californians have been buffeted by more than a dozen atmospheric rivers that have inflicted more than $5 billion in damage,

Sierra Nevada snowpack melts in the coming weeks. As climate change is linked to extreme weather, what do Californians think about fighting it?

In the February 2023 PPIC Statewide Survey, three in four Californians believe climate change must be addressed immediately, while one in four do not.

Democrats and independents favor immediate action, while only one in three Republicans agree.

More than two in three across geographies and demographic categories agree action should be taken immediately, although there are some disparities.

Compared to two in three in the Central Valley, seven in ten in the Inland Empire and Orange/San Diego, and three in four in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area

Latinos (83%), but not whites (66%), believe immediate action is needed. Age decreases the idea that immediate action is needed (78% 18–34, 75% 35–54, 68% 55+).

Since we started frequently inquiring about global warming in 2003, 73% to 81% of Californians have thought action should be taken immediately

Democrats now support immediate action, but Republicans now oppose it. Independents have maintained a 75% support for immediate action.

Most agree that the state should lead environmental policymaking. The PPIC Statewide Survey will continue to track environmental and climate change viewpoints.

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