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Public Attitudes, Knowledge, and Values Around the Climate

"The Energy Learning Curve", a Public Agenda poll, and additional polling data show America's changing attitude to climate action.

The Energy Learning Curve, report cover

The Energy Learning Curve, a Public Agenda Poll "finds the American people reaching common ground on at least 10 major energy proposals, particularly on alternative energy".

Americans are still unsure:

36% say in Fall 2009 there is solid evidence the Earth is warming as a result of human activity. [2]
47%
said so in Spring 2008. [2]

65% say global warming is a serious problem.  [2]
73% said so in Spring 2008. [2]

23% could identify that “cap and trade” legislation has to do with either energy or environment. [2]


But we are ready to act:

75% favor government regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, cars, and factories. [3]

59% favor the U.S. taking action on global warming, even if other countries like China and India do less. [3]

41% of those who believe warming is due to natural causes still support limits to climate emissions. [2]


We support policies that can get us there:

75% favor requiring developers to build more energy-efficient homes even if it increases prices. [1]

78% favor higher mileage standards for cars, trucks, and SUVs.  [1]

84% favor investing in railways to make shipping more fuel efficient. [1]

78% favor higher emissions and pollution standards for business. [1]

71% favor spending tax money on public transit. [1]

56% favor prioritizing conservation and regulation on energy use and prices. [1]


And we’re ready to change our lives:

78% are willing to cut back on leisure driving. [1]

64% are willing to have a 55-mph speed limit. [1]

44%  are willing to use public transit. [1]

40% are willing  to walk or bike. [1]

60% are willing to pay more for electricity from renewable sources. [1]


SOURCES:

1. Public Agenda “The Energy Learning Curve” based on a January 15-30, 2009 poll.

2. Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, Modest Support for “Cap and Trade” Policy
Fewer Americans See Solid Evidence of Global Warming
, Sept 30-Oct. 4, 2009.

3. ABC News/Washington Post Poll, June 18-21, 2009 via Pollingreport.com.


Interested?
The Energy Learning Curve: Coming from different starting points, the public sees similar solutions.
A Public Agenda report by Scott Bittle, Jonathan Rochkind and Amber Ott.

pdf iconDownload the full report


Putting the Pieces Together
: How Do Citizens and Experts See the Energy Issue?
A Public Agenda report by Will Friedman, McKenna Morrigan and Alison Kadlec.

pdf iconDownload the report


World Wide Views on Global Warming:
A new worldwide poll on climate change reflects a global consensus for urgent action—and sets a precedent for deliberative democracy at the international level.

 

Climate Action
YES! Magazine encourages you to make free use of this article by taking these easy steps. lotto. (2009, November 04). Public Attitudes, Knowledge, and Values Around the Climate. Retrieved February 08, 2012, from YES! Magazine Web site: http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/climate-action/public-attitudes-knowledge-and-values-about-the-climate. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License Creative Commons License


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