Politics vs Climate Change

Author: Chase Dumais

Field of Study: Social Sciences

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Robert Holahan

Easel: 51

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: This study examines the evolution of the partisan divide on climate change in the U.S. since the 1990s, exploring its emergence as a polarizing issue between Democrats and Republicans. Using a mixed-methods approach, it combines quantitative analysis of congressional voting records (1990s–2024) with qualitative reviews of key debates and policy discussions. Building on existing literature, the research addresses gaps by analyzing long-term polarization trends and factors influencing political positions. Data from congressional votes (via congress.gov and govtrack.us) will quantify party polarization, while qualitative analysis adds context to these findings. The study acknowledges limitations like vote selection bias and simplified political stances and mitigates them through qualitative context. It aims to illustrate how climate change shifted from a bipartisan concern to a divisive issue, shedding light on drivers of this shift and implications for future policy development.