Natural gas viewed more positively than other fossil fuels across 20 global publics
A median of 69% of adults across 20 global publics we surveyed are in favor of expanding the use of natural gas.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
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Fast facts about U.S. views on oil and gas production as White House moves to open Alaska refuge to drilling
As the debate resurfaces over drilling in the wildlife refuge, here are some facts about Americans’ views of expanded oil and gas drilling.
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Renewable energy is growing fast in the U.S., but fossil fuels still dominate
Solar and wind power use has grown rapidly in the past decade, but as of 2018 those sources accounted for under 4% of all energy used in the U.S.
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More Americans oppose than favor increased offshore drilling
More Americans now oppose than favor allowing more offshore oil and gas drilling in U.S. waters. Americans who live close to a coastline are less supportive of expanding offshore drilling than those who live farther from a coast.
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Public Divides Over Environmental Regulation and Energy Policy
Americans lean toward regulations – not economic markets alone – as the most effective way to increase reliance on renewable energy, but they are evenly split on whether fewer regulations can protect air and water.
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Americans strongly favor expanding solar power to help address costs and environmental concerns
Almost nine-in-ten U.S. adults (89%) favor expanding use of solar power, while only 9% oppose it. Western homeowners are particularly likely to say they have already installed or are considering solar panels at home.
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How Americans are – and aren’t – making eco-friendly lifestyle changes
Two-thirds of Americans say people will have to make major changes in the way they live to reduce the effects of climate change, but data on how much people have actually adopted several recommended lifestyle changes paints a very mixed picture.
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As American homes get bigger, energy efficiency gains are wiped out
U.S. homes are more energy-efficient per square foot than they used to be. But they’re also bigger, and their increased size offsets most of the efficiency gains.
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The most – and least – energy-intensive nations
The U.S. Virgin Islands is the most “energy intensive” place on Earth — meaning it uses the most energy per unit of GDP — while gambling hub Macau is one of the least.
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Americans, Politics and Science Issues
The general public’s political views are strongly linked to their attitudes on climate and energy issues. But politics is a less important factor on biomedical, food safety, space issues.
