Despite the Trump administration's continued efforts to question climate change concerns, the majority of Americans are increasingly attributing extreme weather to global warming, according to a new poll. The poll comes as a sign that the Trump administration's efforts to reduce climate concerns are not entirely effective, as many Americans are increasingly linking extreme weather to the climate crisis.

About 61 per cent of likely American voters believe extreme weather events have become more frequent over the past five years, according to a survey by progressive polling firm Data for Progress. The figures include 72 per cent of Democrats, 63 per cent of Independents, and nearly half (46 per cent) of Republicans.

Sixty-four per cent of respondents associated climate change with increased wildfires, 63 per cent with droughts, 62 per cent with flooding and flash flooding, 59 per cent with hurricanes, and 59 per cent with severe thunderstorms. Heatwaves led the way, with 67 per cent citing that they were worse as a result of climate change, while 48 per cent of Republicans (the largest number of any weather event) reported that they were worsening. Tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods kill more Americans every year than high temperatures.

“The findings help reinforce the overwhelming body of evidence that the public is far ahead of politicians in understanding the alarming impact of climate change,” Senator Sheldon Whitehouse said.

However, scientists warned that many Americans continue to attribute global warming to natural cycles instead of human activities. According to Yale research, 27 per cent of the population thinks climate change is predominantly natural, which is "probably the biggest misconception out there," said senior research scientist Jennifer Marlon at Yale.

The survey also revealed strong support for worker protections from heat — 88 per cent of respondents supported policies that would ensure employers provide drinking water, shade, rest breaks, and cooling measures. Nearly everyone across party lines supported such protections, with only 7 per cent opposed, reflecting a strong consensus that these protections are much needed as workers in both indoor and outdoor jobs are increasingly at risk of heat-related illness and death.