Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
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2. Climate, energy and environmental policy
A narrow majority of Americans say climate scientists have too little influence on climate policy debates
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- 2. Climate, energy and environmental policy
- Majority of Americans prioritize reducing the effects of climate change to ensure a sustainable planet for future generations
- Looking ahead, Americans closely divided over whether lifestyle changes will be needed, or new technology can mitigate effects of climate change
- Younger Republicans more likely than older to prioritize reducing effects of climate change now
- Most Democrats prioritize alternative energy development, Republicans are now divided
- Most Americans support expanding use of solar and wind power
- Among Republicans, support for expanding use of fossil fuels sources is lower among Gen Z, Millennials
- Majority of Americans favor using a mix of fossil fuels and renewable sources
- Americans are closely divided over whether to phase out gas-powered cars
- Majorities support three specific proposals in Biden’s infrastructure plan; half think plan will help economy
- Majorities of Americans support proposals aimed at reducing the effects of climate change
- A narrow majority of Democrats say Biden will not go far enough on climate
- Large majorities of Democrats and smaller shares of Republicans back range of climate proposals
- Wide partisan divides over Biden’s infrastructure plans, and modest generational differences within GOP
- Half of Americans think the Biden administration’s infrastructure plan will help the nation’s economy
- Most Americans place importance on protecting the environment for future generations
- Republicans’ priorities in evaluating climate policy are on job growth, low consumer costs
- Majorities say large businesses, energy industry and ordinary Americans are doing too little on climate
- Younger Republicans more likely than older Republicans to say a range of groups are doing too little on climate change
- A narrow majority of Americans say climate scientists have too little influence on climate policy debates
- Among Republicans, younger generations more likely to say climate scientists have too little policy influence
- Majority of Americans view stricter environmental laws as worth the cost
- Majorities view federal government as doing too little in most areas of environmental protection
- Republicans and Democrats remain far apart over the need for more government action to protect key aspects of the environment
- Among Republicans, generational differences over government action in areas of environmental concern