Mountain West Faces Growing Concerns Over Wildfires, Drought, and Extreme Weather
A recent Pew Research Center survey highlights increasing concerns about extreme weather across the United States, particularly in the Mountain West region. According to federal data, climate change is driving more frequent, severe, and prolonged droughts and floods. Nearly 70% of Americans believe extreme weather events are becoming more common, and 60% think they are intensifying. However, opinions remain divided on the causes, with about half attributing global warming to human activities like burning fossil fuels. The survey also reveals a significant partisan divide in perceptions of climate change, with Democrats more likely than Republicans to view extreme weather as worsening. Residents in the Mountain West are particularly affected by recurring issues such as wildfire smoke, drought, and extreme heat, underscoring the region's vulnerability to climate-related challenges. 
