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Farmers

Climate Change Attitudes Among Iowa Farmers: A New Study Uncovers Variability and Concern

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

According to a recent study published in npj Climate Action, researchers at Iowa State University have explored the attitudes of Iowa farmers towards climate change, revealing a complex and heterogeneous landscape of concerns and dismissals. The study, which analyzed the responses of 1,039 Iowa farmers to the Six Americas Super Short Survey (SASSY), found that 22% of farmers aligned with the dismissive type, while 12% were alarmed about the impacts of climate change. The researchers also discovered that the SASSY typology method correlated with attitudes towards specific agricultural issues related to climate change.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 22% of Iowa farmers were dismissive of climate change, 20% were doubtful, 7% were disengaged, 23% were cautious, 16% were concerned, and 12% were alarmed.
  • The research utilized the Six Americas Super Short Survey (SASSY) to explore variation in attitudes towards climate change among Iowa farmers.
  • The study concluded that the SASSY typology method correlates with attitudes towards specific agricultural issues related to climate change.
  • The study's findings highlight the need for agricultural production in the U.S. to adapt to the negative impacts of climate change and to mitigate farms' greenhouse gas emissions.
  • The research was funded by the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station.

Statistics:

  • 1,039 Iowa farmers participated in the study.
  • 22% of Iowa farmers were classified as dismissive of climate change.
  • 12% of Iowa farmers were classified as alarmed about the impacts of climate change.
  • The study found that 23% of Iowa farmers were cautious about climate change.
  • The research concluded that the SASSY typology method correlates with attitudes towards more specific agricultural issues related to climate change.

Sources:

  • Global warming's "Six Americas" among Iowa farmers: exploring differential attitudes towards climate change and agriculture. npj Climate Action, 2025,4(1):1-9.
  • NewsRx. Study Results from Iowa State University Broaden Understanding of Climate Change (Global warming's "Six Americas" among Iowa farmers: exploring differential attitudes towards climate change and agriculture). Global Warming Focus. May 12, 2025; p 600.

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