University of Maryland, Office of Research Administration

Social scientists at the University of Maryland have developed a credible approach to study political polarization and ideological networks in American climate politics. Building on National Science Foundation-funded research, this project analyzes publicly available data from the U.S. Congress and several state legislatures to gauge changes in the elected officials’ climate policy positions relative to the influence of leading organizations debating climate policy nationally and in select states. The latest climate science suggests critical decision making within the next decade is necessary for the United States and other nations to abate catastrophic climate change, making the next several election cycles highly important for determining national climate policy. Understanding how the views of organizations engaged in climate policy debates compare to Congressional and state legislators provides useful insight about influences on elected officials for voters and policymakers. 

Social scientists at the University of Maryland have developed a credible approach to study political polarization and ideological networks in American climate politics. Building on National Science Foundation-funded research, this project analyzes publicly available data from the U.S. Congress and several state legislatures to gauge changes in the elected officials’ climate policy positions relative to the influence of leading organizations debating climate policy nationally and in select states. The latest climate science suggests critical decision making within the next decade is necessary for the United States and other nations to abate catastrophic climate change, making the next several election cycles highly important for determining national climate policy. Understanding how the views of organizations engaged in climate policy debates compare to Congressional and state legislators provides useful insight about influences on elected officials for voters and policymakers.