Support for racial equity and climate action are both at historic levels, but the dynamics underlying public opinion on these issues are sharply distinct. While Americans have become steadily more progressive in their view of racial equality since the mid-century, climate opinion has remained stubbornly tied to cyclical shifts in national politics.

Ultimately, the long term and continued evolution of racial attitudes offers the possibility of a very different politics of race, policing, and criminal justice — but rising climate concern over the last few years may, unfortunately, reveal itself to be a cresting wave that recedes to yet another low ebb.