Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
While wind and solar power are still popular overall, Americans have become less supportive of these sources since the first Trump administration. This shift has been driven by sharp declines in support among Republicans.
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The share of Americans who say electric vehicles are better for the environment than gas vehicles has decreased 20 points since 2021, from 67%.
A majority favor U.S. efforts to become carbon neutral by 2050, but few express strong interest in buying EVs or reducing their own carbon emissions.
64% of Americans live within 2 miles of a public electric vehicle charging station, and those who live closest to chargers view EVs more positively.
Seven-in-ten Americans say in vitro fertilization access is a good thing. Just 8% say it is a bad thing, and 22% are unsure.
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.
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.
