Political differences in climate change knowledge and their association with climate attitudes, behavior, and policy support

Liberals are more likely to believe that climate change is a serious matter that requires immediate action than conservatives. Nonetheless, little is known about why this political difference in attitudes occurs. We tested whether liberals have superior knowledge about climate change than conservatives and whether political differences in knowledge are associated with climate attitudes (total N = 649, Prolific). In a U.S. sample, Study 1 found that Democrats had better knowledge about climate change than Republicans. Additionally, there was an indirect association of political party with climate attitudes and support for climate policies through knowledge. Study 2 replicated these findings and found a similar indirect association with climate change mitigation behaviors. Study 3 partially replicated the above effects in the UK. Although limited by use of cross-sectional designs, these data suggest that knowledge about climate change is associated with political differences in climate attitudes, behavior, and policy support. • Political groups differ in climate attitudes, behavior, and policy support. • Political groups also differ substantially in their knowledge about climate change. • Partisan differences in climate attitudes are associated with knowledge. • Associations of knowledge with climate attitudes occur in the United States and United Kingdom.