What the data says about Americans’ views of climate change
Two-thirds of Americans say the United States should prioritize developing renewable energy sources over expanding the production of fossil fuels.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Two-thirds of Americans say the United States should prioritize developing renewable energy sources over expanding the production of fossil fuels.
A majority of Americans (57%) say they favor more nuclear power plants to generate electricity in the country, up from 43% who said this in 2020.
Large shares of Americans support the U.S. taking steps to address global climate change and prioritize renewable energy development in the country. Still, fewer than half are ready to phase out fossil fuels completely and 59% oppose ending the production of gas-powered cars.
A majority of Americans believe climate change is causing harm to people in the U.S. today and 63% expect things to get worse in their lifetime.
Majorities of Americans say the United States should prioritize the development of renewable energy sources and take steps toward the country becoming carbon neutral by the year 2050. But just 31% want to phase out fossil fuels completely, and many foresee unexpected problems in a major transition to renewable energy.
Several climate policies receive bipartisan support, despite Republicans and Democrats differing on the overall approach.
No more than half of Americans say they think solar geoengineering and cloud seeding would make a difference in reducing the effects of climate change.
Majorities of Americans support an array of measures to address climate change but stop short of a full break with fossil fuels.
A median of 69% of adults across 20 global publics we surveyed are in favor of expanding the use of natural gas.
Majorities across 20 publics say government investments in scientific research are worthwhile and express a lot or some confidence in scientists to do what is right for the public.
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