Americans express competing concerns over possible transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources

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February 28, 2022

Americans Largely Favor U.S. Taking Steps To Become Carbon Neutral by 2050

Americans express competing concerns over possible transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources

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Americans express competing concerns over possible transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources

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Americans Largely Favor U.S. Taking Steps To Become Carbon Neutral by 2050
Majorities prioritize alternative energy development and back U.S. taking steps to become carbon neutral
Both party coalitions have internal differences over energy policy
Three-quarters of Americans support a U.S. role in global efforts to address climate change
Majority of U.S. adults say federal government should encourage production of wind and solar power
Partisans differ over whether the federal government should encourage the use of electric vehicles
Majority favors the U.S. taking steps to become carbon neutral by 2050
Two-thirds say U.S. should use a mix of fossil fuels and renewable energy sources
Majority expects air and water quality would improve if there’s a major shift to renewable energy in the U.S.
Democrats expect positive impacts from a possible transition to much more renewable energy in U.S.
Americans list positive environmental and climate impacts as main benefits to possible energy transition
Economic concerns, preparedness seen as main downsides to phasing out oil, coal and natural gas
Homeowners in West most likely to have considered or installed solar panels
Most homeowners who have considered installing solar panels want to both save money and help the environment
Democrats and Republicans disagree on impact of climate change policies on the economy, environment
46% of Americans say human activity contributes a great deal to climate change, 29% say some
Three-quarters of Americans support U.S. participation in international climate change efforts
54% say the U.S. should do about as much as other large economies to help reduce climate effects
53% think it’s unlikely U.S. and other countries will do enough to avoid worst impacts from climate change
Partisans differ over whether U.S. has a responsibility to help developing countries build renewable energy

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ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.

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