Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Overall, 77% of Americans say stricter building standards are a good idea for communities at high risk of extreme weather. And 64% think it is a good idea for government to provide financial assistance for people in these communities to rebuild in the wake of extreme weather events.
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Half of Americans or more say they are extremely or very comfortable talking about their mental health with a close friend, an immediate family member or a mental health therapist.
Just 28% of U.S. adults say America is the best in the world or above average in K-12 STEM education compared with other wealthy nations.
88% of Americans say marijuana should be legal for medical or recreational use. Just 11% say the drug should not be legal in any form.
Americans largely favor legalization of the drug, including 57% who say it should be legal for both medical and recreational use.
Last year, Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy had combined sales of about $21.1 billion globally – up 89% since 2022.
Just 20% of the public views the coronavirus as a major threat to the health of the U.S. population and only 10% are very concerned about getting a serious case themselves. In addition, a relatively small share of U.S. adults (28%) say they’ve received an updated COVID-19 vaccine since last fall.
Just 12% of Republicans and Republican leaners say dealing with climate change should be a top priority for the president and Congress.
About three-quarters of Americans say they have heard a lot or a little about Ozempic, Wegovy and other similar drugs that are being used for weight loss. Among those familiar with these drugs, 53% think they are good options to lose weight for people with obesity or a weight-related health condition.
More than half of U.S. adults (56%) said that widespread use of brain chips to enhance cognitive function would be a bad idea for society.
More Black Americans say health outcomes for Black people in the United States have improved over the past 20 years than say outcomes have worsened.
Public views are tied to how these technologies would be used and what constraints would be in place.
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.
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.
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.
