U.S. adults are just as likely to say that policies aimed at reducing the effects of climate change usually help the economy as they are to say these policies usually hurt it (34% each). Among Republicans, 56% think climate policies usually hurt the economy. By contrast, 52% of Democrats say they usually help.
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Roughly seven-in-ten Hispanic adults (69%) say that having a Hispanic high school STEM teacher would make young Hispanic people more likely to pursue these degrees.
Overall, 44% of Americans support more hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas in the United States, while 53% oppose it.
We took a closer look at how Americans’ views and experiences have evolved on a variety of topics over the last 20 years.
Americans remain more likely to favor expanding solar power (78%) and wind power (72%) than nuclear power (56%).
Americans’ views differ by age on whether measures like addressing climate change and preventing terrorist attacks should be top foreign policy priorities.
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.
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.
© 2024 Pew Research Center
