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.
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.
Several climate policies receive bipartisan support, despite Republicans and Democrats differing on the overall approach.
Nearly all Democrats (92%) support a U.S. role in international efforts to reduce climate change impacts, as do 53% of Republicans.
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.
46% of U.S. adults say the area where they live has had an extreme weather event over the past 12 months.
Majorities of Americans support an array of measures to address climate change but stop short of a full break with fossil fuels.
Majorities of Americans say the federal government, businesses and other actors are doing too little to reduce the effects of climate change.
A majority of U.S. adults say they are taking at least some specific action in their daily lives to protect the environment, though Democrats and Republicans remain at ideological odds over the causes of climate change and the effects of policies to address it.
Here is a roundup of key takeaways from our studies of U.S. public opinion about science issues and their effect on society.
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