Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
2. Climate, energy and environmental policy
Republicans and Democrats remain far apart over the need for more government action to protect key aspects of the environment
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- 2. Climate, energy and environmental policy
- Majority of Americans prioritize reducing the effects of climate change to ensure a sustainable planet for future generations
- Looking ahead, Americans closely divided over whether lifestyle changes will be needed, or new technology can mitigate effects of climate change
- Younger Republicans more likely than older to prioritize reducing effects of climate change now
- Most Democrats prioritize alternative energy development, Republicans are now divided
- Most Americans support expanding use of solar and wind power
- Among Republicans, support for expanding use of fossil fuels sources is lower among Gen Z, Millennials
- Majority of Americans favor using a mix of fossil fuels and renewable sources
- Americans are closely divided over whether to phase out gas-powered cars
- Majorities support three specific proposals in Biden’s infrastructure plan; half think plan will help economy
- Majorities of Americans support proposals aimed at reducing the effects of climate change
- A narrow majority of Democrats say Biden will not go far enough on climate
- Large majorities of Democrats and smaller shares of Republicans back range of climate proposals
- Wide partisan divides over Biden’s infrastructure plans, and modest generational differences within GOP
- Half of Americans think the Biden administration’s infrastructure plan will help the nation’s economy
- Most Americans place importance on protecting the environment for future generations
- Republicans’ priorities in evaluating climate policy are on job growth, low consumer costs
- Majorities say large businesses, energy industry and ordinary Americans are doing too little on climate
- Younger Republicans more likely than older Republicans to say a range of groups are doing too little on climate change
- A narrow majority of Americans say climate scientists have too little influence on climate policy debates
- Among Republicans, younger generations more likely to say climate scientists have too little policy influence
- Majority of Americans view stricter environmental laws as worth the cost
- Majorities view federal government as doing too little in most areas of environmental protection
- Republicans and Democrats remain far apart over the need for more government action to protect key aspects of the environment
- Among Republicans, generational differences over government action in areas of environmental concern