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.
Americans are increasingly critical of the response to COVID-19 from elected officeholders and public health officials. Positive ratings of public health officials, such as those at the CDC, have fallen 10 points since August. And 60% of U.S. adults say they’ve felt confused as a result of changes to recommendations on how to slow the spread of COVID-19.
As the drive to inoculate more people continues, here are 10 facts about Americans and COVID-19 vaccines.
Americans regard advances in artificial intelligence and human enhancement technologies with a degree of caution and uncertainty.
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.
Overall, 46% of Americans say the statement “public health officials were unprepared for the outbreak” describes their views extremely or very well, including similar shares of Republicans and Democrats.
Majorities say scientific research on gene editing is a misuse – rather than an appropriate use – of technology. But public acceptance of gene editing for babies depends on how it will be used, and views often differ by age and religion.
81% of Black Americans consider the outbreak a major threat to public health and about half see it as a major threat to their personal health.
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