Climate change beliefs swayed by weather conditions

DURHAM – When it comes climate change, independent voters are hot and cold. University of New Hampshire research found that the climate change beliefs of independent voters are dramatically swayed by short-term weather conditions. The research, conducted by sociology professor Lawrence Hamilton and state climatologist Mary Stampone, found that Republicans and Democrats are not subject to the same weather-related changes. “Interviewed on unseasonably warm days, independents tend to agree with the scientific consensus on human-caused climate change,” the researchers said in a statement. “On unseasonably cool days, they tend not to.” The change in opinion was dramatic.