Cover image courtesy of NASA.

Transcription

1 RACE, ETHNICITY and Public Responses to Climate Change 1

2 Cover image courtesy of NASA. This study was conducted by the Yale Project on Climate Change and the George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication. It was funded by the Surdna Foundation, the 11 th Hour Project, the Pacific Foundation, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The race and ethnicity analysis was supported by the Natural Resources Defense Council. Principal investigators: Anthony Leiserowitz, PhD Yale Project on Climate Change School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University (203) Karen Akerlof Center for Climate Change Communication Department of Communication, George Mason University (703) Cite as: Leiserowitz, A. & Akerlof, K. (2010) Race, Ethnicity and Public Responses to Climate Change. Yale University and George Mason University. New Haven, CT: Yale Project on Climate Change. 2

3 The climate change movement still remains highly homogenous by race and class and significantly by gender in its leadership. Even in 2009, climate briefings held across the country consistently feature mostly male and all-white casts. Like other pockets of environmental and conservation movements, climate change still suffers from the perception, and arguably the reality, that it is a movement led by and designed for the interests of the white, upper-middle class. Many people erroneously believe that interest in environmental issues is dependent on race, education, and class. To the contrary, growing numbers of people of color working in the environmental field and public polling demonstrate that reality often differs from conventional assumptions. Angela Park 1 In this report we examine American public support for climate change and energy policies among different racial and ethnic groups. We find that in many cases, minorities are equally as supportive, and often more supportive of national climate and energy policies, than white Americans. 3

4 Introduction As the United States becomes increasingly diverse over the first half of the twenty-first century 2, understanding the viewpoints of people of different racial and ethnic groups on climate change is becoming ever more important. This report provides an analysis of the global warming and energy policy preferences of both the overall American public and of particular racial and ethnic groups, based upon an October and November 2008 nationally representative survey of American 2,164 adults. A follow-up survey of 1,001 respondents in December 2009 and January 2010 (see Survey Methodology, p. 18) is also discussed. The impacts of climate change are likely to be felt disproportionately by those who face socioeconomic inequalities. 3 In the United States this includes many Hispanics, African Americans and other racial and ethnic groups who are likely to be more vulnerable to heat waves, extreme weather events, environmental degradation, and subsequent labor market dislocations. 4 Climate and energy policies that limit greenhouse gas emissions can often help reduce these impacts and improve the health of all Americans by decreasing other concomitant air pollutants and increasing opportunities for active and less carbon intensive lifestyles. These reductions are of great benefit to low-income and minority communities since many suffer greater impacts from air pollution and as a result will have the most to gain from policies that will improve air quality. Economic opportunities for low-income and minority communities are also forecast to improve access to green jobs and grow the green economy. 5 Overall Policy Support The fall of 2008 survey asked Americans how much they supported or opposed a wide variety of climate change policies, including possible regulations, subsidies, tax incentives, research and development funding, and international treaties. Overall, there was broad-based, bipartisan support for most policy options, with the notable exception of a higher gas tax (Fig. 1). 4

5 Figure1 Supportforclimateandenergypolicies,2008 Very large majorities of Americans supported a variety of climate change policies: 92 percent said the government should increase funding for research into renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power; 85 percent supported tax rebates for people buying energy efficient vehicles or solar panels; 80 percent said the government should regulate carbon dioxide (the primary greenhouse gas) as a pollutant; 69 percent of Americans said the United States should sign an international treaty that requires the U.S. to cut its emissions of carbon dioxide 90% by the year Importantly, large majorities of Americans also said they would support policies that would personally cost them more. For example: 79 percent supported a 45 mpg fuel efficiency standard for cars, trucks, and SUVs, even if that meant a new vehicle cost up to $1,000 more to buy; 72 percent supported a Renewable Portfolio Standard that required electric utilities to produce at least 20 percent of their electricity from wind, solar, or other renewable energy sources, even if it cost the average household an extra $100 a year; 72 percent supported a government subsidy to replace old water heaters, air conditioners, light bulbs, and insulation, even if it cost the average household $5 a month in higher taxes; 5

6 63 percent supported establishment of a special fund to make buildings more energy efficient and teach Americans how to reduce their energy use, even if this cost the average household $2.50 a month in higher electric bills. At the time of the survey, nationwide retail gas prices were approximately $3.25/gallon and energy had become a major issue in the presidential campaign. Only 33 percent of the public supported increasing taxes on gasoline by 25 cents per gallon and returning the revenues to taxpayers by reducing the federal income tax. Finally, a national cap and trade system received relatively weak support compared with other policy options, however, a majority of Americans (53%) supported the creation of a national cap and trade system. 6

7 Policy Support by Race and Ethnicity Hispanics, African Americans and people of other races and ethnicities were often the strongest supporters of climate and energy policies and were also more likely to support these policies even if they incurred greater costs. Clean Energy Policies Renewable Energy Investing in renewable energy sources has enjoyed sustained public support for many years. Most energy suppliers are today relying, at least in small part, on electricity supplied from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, geothermal and biomass. In the fall of 2008, Americans overwhelmingly supported funding for more research into renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power (91% support). This support was consistent across all racial and ethnic groups, including Hispanics (85%), African Americans (95%), Other races and ethnicities (94%) and non-hispanic whites (92%), although African Americans were somewhat less likely to strongly support an investment in renewable energy research. Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) Many states have set Renewable Portfolio Standards requiring that electric utilities produce a certain percentage of electricity from renewable or alternative energy sources like wind or solar. The standards range from modest to ambitious and qualifying energy sources vary. It is argued that renewable portfolio standards can stimulate the use of renewable energy and thereby provide significant greenhouse gas reductions, create jobs, and improve energy security. 6 While the first RPS was established in 1983, most participating states created their standards after For example, California has set one of the most ambitious renewable energy standards in the country, requiring 7

8 electric utilities and providers to increase procurement from eligible renewable energy resources to 20% by In the fall of 2008, a large majority (72%) of Americans supported requiring electric utilities to produce at least 20% of their electricity from wind, solar, or other renewable energy sources, even if it cost the average household an extra $100 a year. Again, there was little difference in support for this policy among racial or ethnic groups, although African Americans were somewhat less likely to strongly support this policy. Energy Efficiency Policies All racial and ethnic groups supported a variety of policies to improve energy efficiency. The survey found similarly high levels of support for tax rebates for people who purchase energy efficient vehicle or solar panels across all racial and ethnic groups, with somewhat higher strong support among Other races (46%), and somewhat lower strong support among African Americans (31%). Likewise, all groups supported a requirement that automakers make more fuel-efficient cars and trucks, even if they became more expensive to buy, with Other races more strongly in support (53%), and African Americans somewhat less likely to strongly support this policy (34%). 8

9 Large majorities of all racial and ethnic groups also supported government subsidies to help improve the energy efficiency of households. Hispanics, however, were more likely to strongly support this policy than other groups (39%). 9

10 A majority of Americans (63%) also said they supported a special fund to help improve the energy efficiency of buildings and teach Americans how to reduce their energy use, even if it added $2.50 to their monthly electric bills. Hispanics (30%) and Other racial and ethnic groups (26%) were the most likely to strongly support this policy. The Regulation of Carbon Dioxide The regulation of carbon dioxide, which the Environmental Protection Agency moved to undertake in December 2009, was the most supported comprehensive policy to limit greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA s 2009 "endangerment finding" was made in response to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in April 2007 that carbon dioxide should be considered a pollutant under the Clean Air Act and that EPA had both the authority and obligation to regulate CO 2. 8 Over three-quarters (80%) of Americans supported the regulation of carbon dioxide as a pollutant. Compared to the other racial and ethnic groups, African Americans were the most likely to somewhat or strongly support this policy (89%), while Hispanics were the most likely to strongly support it (40%). 10

11 Putting a Price on Carbon In Congress, a cap and trade system remains one of the preferred comprehensive policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Cap and trade legislation will place a mandatory cap on emissions while providing polluters some flexibility in how they comply, through market mechanisms, thereby encouraging innovation and achieving emissions reductions at lower economic costs. In June of 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed cap and trade legislation 9, which is currently being considered by the Senate. In the fall of 2008, a majority of Americans supported a cap and trade system once provided a brief description, however, support was more lukewarm than for other policies, with only 11% of the public strongly supporting it. Majorities of all racial and ethnic groups supported a cap and trade system, with significantly stronger support from Hispanics, albeit still relatively lukewarm. 11

12 By contrast large majorities (67%) of Americans opposed a 25 cent per gallon gasoline tax, even if the revenues were returned to taxpayers by reducing the federal income tax, including majorities of all racial and ethnic groups. African Americans were slightly more likely to support this policy (43%) than the national average (33%). 12

13 An International Treaty A large majority of Americans (68%) supported signing an international treaty requiring the United States to cut its emissions of carbon dioxide 90% by the year Support was especially strong among Hispanics (77%) and Other races (76%). 13

14 Overall Policy Support in 2010 Between Dec. 24, 2009 and Jan. 3, 2010, we conducted a follow-up national survey (n = 1,001) to assess changes in support for a variety of climate change policies (see Survey Methodology, p. 18). As the economy and unemployment worsened, overall support for funding more research on renewable energy, an international treaty, and building efficiency each declined 7 percentage points, while regulating carbon dioxide as a pollutant declined 9 points, and a renewable portfolio standard declined 14 points. Tax rebates, however, only declined 3 points, while support for a gasoline tax remained essentially unchanged. Despite these declines, however, large majorities of Americans continued to support most climate and energy policies. Figure2 Supportforclimateandenergypolicies,

15 Policy Support in 2010 by Racial and Ethnic Groups Below we report the updated levels of public support for the same climate and energy policies as in This survey, however, had a smaller overall sample size (n = 1,001) than in 2008 (n = 2,164). Due to the relatively small sample sizes of minority groups in this 2010 survey, the results should be interpreted with caution, as the margin of error for each minority group ranges from +/- 9 to 12%. Nonetheless, the results largely mirror the primary finding of the 2008 study: that minority groups often had equally as strong, and sometimes stronger support for a variety of climate and energy policies than non-hispanic whites. Large majorities of all racial and ethnic groups supported funding more research into renewable energy sources (77-91%); tax rebates for solar panels and fuel-efficient cars (81-85%); regulating carbon dioxide as a pollutant (65-86%); a 20% renewable portfolio standard, even if it cost the average household an extra $100 a year (55-72%); and signing an international climate change treaty (55-77%). Support for a building energy efficiency fund ranged from 49 to 71%, while support for a carbon tax ranged from 30 to 55%. This survey also measured support for a cap and trade system with a different description of the policy than the 2008 study. The overall results, however, were very similar to Among different racial and ethnic groups, support for a cap and trade system ranged from 55 to 77%, but most of that support was lukewarm. Again, while there is a large margin of error around each of these estimates, the overall results are consistent with both the slight decline in overall public support for climate and energy policies since the fall of 2008 and the finding that minority groups often supported these policies as much or more than non-hispanic whites. 15

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18 Conclusion Despite a serious economic recession with high unemployment, majorities of Americans in both the fall of 2008 and the winter of 2009/2010 supported a variety of climate change and energy policies, including a national investment in renewable energy research, tax breaks to encourage Americans to become more energy efficient, and the regulation of carbon dioxide as a pollutant. A majority of Americans also supported a cap and trade system, although less strongly than most other policies. Hispanics, African Americans and people of Other races and ethnicities were often the strongest supporters of policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, even when informed that some of these policies would entail individual costs. It is commonly believed that global climate change is primarily a concern of only upper and middle class whites, while minorities are focused only on local issues of environmental justice. These two national studies strongly suggest that these assumptions are often wrong. In fact, minorities often support action to respond to this global threat at levels equal to or greater than whites. And, since minorities are often disproportionally vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, it is vitally important that concerted efforts be made to engage these communities in both mitigation and adaptation efforts. As writer Angela Park argues, climate change must become everybody s movement. Survey Methodology From October 7 through November 12 of 2008, we conducted a nationally representative survey of American adults aged 18 or older using KnowledgePanel, an online panel operated by Knowledge Networks. Recruited nationally using random-digit dialing (RDD) telephone methodology, KnowledgePanel is representative of the U.S. population. The panel tracks closely the December 2007 Current Population Survey (published jointly by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics) on age, race, Hispanic ethnicity, geographic region, employment status, and other demographic variables. Completed questionnaires were received from 2,164 respondents, a 54% within panel completion rate, with a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 2 percent, with 95 percent confidence for the national results. The margin of error for each group is +/- 2% (whites), +/- 6% (Hispanics and African Americans), and +/- 8% ( Other ) From December 24, 2009 to January 3, 2010, we conducted a fresh cross-sectional nationally representative survey of American adults, again with Knowledge Networks. Completed questionnaires were received from 1,001 American adults, aged 18 or older, a 53% within panel completion rate. The sample was weighted, as in 2008, to correspond with US Census Bureau parameters for the United States. The margin of sampling error was plus or minus 3 percent, with 95 percent confidence for the national results. The margin of error for each group is +/-4% (whites), +/- 9% (Hispanics and African Americans), and +/- 12% ( Other ). 18

19 References 1 Park, A. (2009). Everybody s movement: Environmental justice and climate change. Washington, DC: Environmental Support Center. Retrieved from 2 U.S. Census Bureau. (2008, Aug. 14). An older and more diverse nation by midcentury. Retrieved from 3 Environmental Protection Agency. (2009). Endangerment and cause or contribute findings for greenhouse gases under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act. Federal Register, 74(239), Retrieved from EPA-HQOAR Dec pdf 4 Shonkoff, S. B., Morello-Frosch, R., Pastor, M., & Sadd, J. (2009). Environmental health and equity impacts from climate change and mitigation policies in California: A review of the literature. Publication # CEC D. Retrieved from 038/CEC D.PDF 5 Pollin, R., Wicks-Lim, J., & Garrett-Peltier, H. (2009). Green prosperity: How clean-energy policies can fight poverty and raise living standards in the United States. Amherst, MA: Department of Economics and Political Economy Research Institute, University of Massachusetts. Retrieved from: 6 Pew Center on Global Climate Change. (2009). Renewable & alternative energy portfolio standards. Retrieved from 7 The California Energy Commission. (2010). California's renewable energy programs. Retrieved from: 8 Massachusetts v. EPA, 549 U.S. 497 (2007). 9 American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, H. R. 2454, 111th Cong. (2009). Retrieved from 19

20 TableofContents Race,EthnicityandPublicResponsestoClimateChange:2008NationalSurvey Table Title Page 1.0 GlobalWarmingBeliefandCertainty IssueInvolvement 23 PerceivedGlobalWarmingKnowledgeandBeliefs 3.0 SelfAssessedKnowledge CausesandScientificConsensus ClimateSystemMentalModels 26 RiskPerceptions 4.0 EstimatesofInjuriesandFatalities WhoIsatRisk TimingofHarm TypesofHarm LikelihoodofHarm 34 OutcomesfromNationalActiontoReduceGlobalWarming 5.0 Expectations MostImportantBenefit GreatestConcern ShouldtheU.S.Act? 37 BeliefsaboutPotentialOutcomesandtheEffectivenessofActions 6.0 WillWeSucceed? SavingEnergy NationalIssuePriorities EnvironmentalIssuePriorities 4142 SupportforNationalResponse 9.0 ConditionsforAction MagnitudeofAction SpecificClimateandEnergyPolicies ExpectationsofElectedOfficials,CorporationsandCitizens

21 TableofContentscontinued Race,EthnicityandPublicResponsestoClimateChange:2008NationalSurvey Table Title Page PoliticalActivism 11.0 Actions Intentions ConfidenceinOwnAbilitytoAct PerceivedEffectivenessofOwnAction 5152 ConsumerActivism 12.0 Actions Intentions 53 EnergyEfficiency 13.0 EnergyEfficiencyActionsandIntentions BarrierstoHomeEnergyEfficiencyImprovements 5658 EnergyConservation 15.0 EnergyConservationActions BarrierstoPublicTransportation PerceivedLifestyleImpactsfromPersonalActions InterpersonalCommunication PoliticalAffiliationandIdeology 61 EnvironmentalBeliefsandConcerns 20.0 IdentificationasEnvironmentalist ConcernforOtherSpecies,Humans,Self InformationSeekingandAttention TrustinInformationSources FrequencyofMediaUse PreferredNewsSources 69 21

22 Table1.0 GlobalWarmingBeliefandCertainty Recently,youmayhavenoticedthatglobalwarming hasbeengettingsomeattentioninthenews.global warmingreferstotheideathattheworld saverage temperaturehasbeenincreasingoverthepast150 years,maybeincreasingmoreinthefuture,andthat theworld sclimatemaychangeasaresult.whatdo youthink?doyouthinkthatglobalwarmingis happening? Yes Don'tknow No n=2,157; 2,p<0.001 Howsureareyouthatglobalwarmingishappening? [Howsureareyouthatglobalwarmingisnot happening?] Extremelysureglobalwarmingishappening Verysureglobalwarmingishappening Somewhatsureglobalwarmingishappening Notatallsureglobalwarmingishappening Don'tknow Notatallsureglobalwarmingisnothappening Somewhatsureglobalwarmingisnothappening Verysureglobalwarmingisnothappening Extremelysureglobalwarmingisnothappening n=2,156; 2,p<0.001 "Icouldeasilychangemymindaboutglobalwarming." Stronglydisagree Somewhatdisagree Somewhatagree Stronglyagree n=2,124; 2,p<

23 Table2.0 IssueInvolvement Howimportantistheissueofglobalwarmingtoyou personally? Extremelyimportant Veryimportant Somewhatimportant Nottooimportant Notatallimportant n=2,144; 2,p<0.001 Howmuchhadyouthoughtaboutglobalwarming beforetoday? n=2,149; 2,p<0.001 Alot Some Alittle Notatall Howworriedareyouaboutglobalwarming? Veryworried Somewhatworried Notveryworried Notatallworried n=2,148; 2,p<

24 Table3.0 PerceivedGlobalWarmingKnowledgeandBeliefs:SelfAssessedKnowledge Personally,doyouthinkthatyouarewellinformedornot about Thedifferentcausesofglobalwarming Thedifferentconsequencesofglobalwarming Waysinwhichwecanreduceglobalwarming Verywellinformed Fairlywellinformed Notverywellinformed Notatallinformed n=2,142; 2,p<0.001 Verywellinformed Fairlywellinformed Notverywellinformed Notatallinformed n=2,138; 2,p<0.001 Verywellinformed Fairlywellinformed Notverywellinformed Notatallinformed n=2,130; 2,p<

25 Table3.1 PerceivedGlobalWarmingKnowledgeandBeliefs:CausesandScientificConsensus Ifglobalwarmingishappening,doyouthinkitis Causedmostlybyhumanactivities Causedbyhumanactivitiesandnaturalchanges Causedmostlybynaturalchangesintheenvironment Neitherbecauseglobalwarmingisn'thappening Don'tknow Other(Pleasespecify) n=2,145; 2,p=0.002 Whichcomesclosertoyourownview? Mostscientiststhinkglobalwarmingishappening Thereisalotofdisagreement Don'tknowenoughtosay Mostscientiststhinkglobalwarmingisnothappening n=2,148; 2,p<

26 Table3.2 PerceivedGlobalWarmingKnowledgeandBeliefs:ClimateSystemMentalModels Peopledisagreeabouthowtheclimatesystem works.thefivepicturesbelowillustratefive differentperspectives.eachpicturedepictsthe earth sclimatesystemasaballbalancedonaline, yeteachonehasadifferentabilitytowithstand humancausedglobalwarming.whichoneofthe fivepicturesbestrepresentsyourunderstandingof howtheclimatesystemworks? Gradual Random Threshold Fragile Stable n=2,068; 2,p<

27 Table4.0 RiskPerceptions:EstimatesofInjuriesandFatalities Nowpleasethinkaboutthehumanhealtheffectsof globalwarming.(pleasechoosetheanswer correspondingtoyourbestestimate.)worldwide, howmanypeopledoyouthink Currentlydieeachyearduetoglobalwarming? Millions Thousands Hundreds None Don'tKnow n=2,138; 2,p<0.001 Arecurrentlyinjuredorbecomeilleachyearduetoglobalwarming? Millions Thousands Hundreds None Don'tKnow n=2,140; 2,p<0.001 Willdieeachyear50yearsfromnowduetoglobalwarming? Millions Thousands Hundreds None Don'tKnow n=2,146; 2,p<0.001 Willbeinjuredorbecomeilleachyear50yearsfromnowduetoglobalwarming? Millions Thousands Hundreds None Don'tKnow n=2,125; 2,p<

28 Table4.1 RiskPerceptions:WhoIsatRisk Howmuchdoyouthinkglobalwarmingwillharm: Youpersonally Agreatdeal Amoderateamount Onlyalittle Notatall Don'tknow n=2,140; 2,p<0.001 Yourfamily Yourcommunity PeopleintheUnitedStates Agreatdeal Amoderateamount Onlyalittle Notatall Don'tknow n=2,137; 2,p<0.001 Agreatdeal Amoderateamount Onlyalittle Notatall Don'tknow n=2,136; 2,p<0.001 Agreatdeal Amoderateamount Onlyalittle Notatall Don'tknow n=2,144; 2,p<

29 Table4.1continued RiskPerceptions:WhoIsatRisk Howmuchdoyouthinkglobalwarmingwillharm: Peopleinothermodernindustrializedcountries Agreatdeal Amoderateamount Onlyalittle Notatall Don'tknow n=2,138; 2,p<0.001 Peopleindevelopingcountries Agreatdeal Amoderateamount Onlyalittle Notatall Don'tknow n=2,136; 2,p<0.001 Futuregenerationsofpeople Agreatdeal Amoderateamount Onlyalittle Notatall Don'tknow n=2,130; 2,p<0.001 Plantandanimalspecies Agreatdeal Amoderateamount Onlyalittle Notatall Don'tknow n=2,127; 2,p<

30 Table4.2 RiskPerceptions:TimingofHarm Whendoyouthinkglobalwarmingwillstarttoharmpeople intheunitedstates? Theyarebeingharmednow In10years In25years In50years In100years Never n=2,095; 2,p<0.001 Whendoyouthinkglobalwarmingwillstarttoharmother peoplearoundtheworld? Theyarebeingharmednow In10years In25years In50years In100years Never n=2,088; 2,p<

31 Table4.3 RiskPerceptions:TypesofHarm Worldwideoverthenext20years,doyouthinkglobal warmingwillcausemoreorlessofthefollowing,ifnothing isdonetoaddressit? Severeheatwaves Manymore Afewmore Nodifference Afewless Manyless Don'tKnow n=2,140; 2,p<0.001 Droughtsandwatershortages Manymore Afewmore Nodifference Afewless Manyless Don'tKnow n=2,131; 2,p<0.001 Extinctionsofplantandanimalspecies Manymore Afewmore Nodifference Afewless Manyless Don'tKnow n=2,131; 2,p<0.001 Faminesandfoodshortages Manymore Afewmore Nodifference Afewless Manyless Don'tKnow n=2,140; 2,p<

32 Table4.3continued RiskPerceptions:TypesofHarm Worldwideoverthenext20years,doyouthinkglobal warmingwillcausemoreorlessofthefollowing,ifnothing isdonetoaddressit? Intenserainstorms Manymore Afewmore Nodifference Afewless Manyless Don'tKnow n=2,131; 2,p<0.001 Intensehurricanes Manymore Afewmore Nodifference Afewless Manyless Don'tKnow n=2,138; 2,p<0.001 Forestfires Diseaseepidemics Manymore Afewmore Nodifference Afewless Manyless Don'tKnow n=2,134; 2,p<0.001 Manymore Afewmore Nodifference Afewless Manyless Don'tKnow n=2,132; 2,p<

33 Table4.3continued RiskPerceptions:TypesofHarm Worldwideoverthenext20years,doyouthinkglobal warmingwillcausemoreorlessofthefollowing,ifnothing isdonetoaddressit? Peoplelivinginpoverty Manymore Afewmore Nodifference Afewless Manyless Don'tKnow n=2,136; 2,p<0.001 Refugees Manymore Afewmore Nodifference Afewless Manyless Don'tKnow n=2,133; 2,p<

34 Table4.4 RiskPerceptions:LikelihoodofHarm Worldwideoverthenext20years,howlikelydoyouthink itisthatglobalwarmingwillcauseeachofthefollowingif nothingisdonetoaddressit? Meltingicecapsandglaciers Verylikely Somewhatlikely Somewhatunlikely Veryunlikely Don'tKnow n=2,151; 2,p<0.001 Expandingdeserts Verylikely Somewhatlikely Somewhatunlikely Veryunlikely Don'tKnow n=2,151; 2,p<0.001 Abandoninglargecoastalcitiesduetorisingsealevels Verylikely Somewhatlikely Somewhatunlikely Veryunlikely Don'tKnow n=2,137; 2,p<

35 Table5.0 NationalActiontoReduceGlobalWarming:Expectations Pleasecheckalloftheanswersbelowthatyoubelieve aretrue.ifournationtakesstepstoreduceglobal warming,itwill... Provideabetterlifefornextgeneration Preventplant/animalextinction* Improvepeople shealth Createjobs/astrongeconomy* Preventthedestructionofmostlife* ProtectGod screation* Lessenforeignoildependence Leadtomoregovernmentregulation* Protecttheworld spoorfromharm* Savepeoplefrompovertyandstarvation* Causeenergypricestorise* Improveournationalsecurity* Costjobsandharmoureconomy Interferewiththefreemarket* Harmpoorpeoplemorethanithelpsthem* UndermineAmericansovereignty* * 2 statisticallysignificant,p<0.05 n= Itemwording:Provideabetterlifeforourchildrenandgrandchildren 2 Itemwording:Savemanyplantandanimalspeciesfromextinction 3 Itemwording:Creategreenjobsandastrongereconomy 4 Itemwording:Preventthedestructionofmostlifeontheplanet 5 Itemwording:Helpfreeusfromdependenceonforeignoil 6 Itemwording:Protecttheworld spoorestpeoplefromharmcausedbytheworld srichestpeople 7 Itemwording:Savemanypeoplearoundtheworldfrompovertyandstarvation 35

36 Table5.1 NationalActiontoReduceGlobalWarming: MostImportantBenefit Ofthereasonsyouselected,whichoneismost importanttoyoupersonally? Provideabetterlifefornextgeneration ProtectGod'screation Preventthedestructionofmostlife Improvepeople'shealth Lessenforeignoildependence Preventplant/animalextinction Createjobs/astrongeconomy Savepeoplefrompovertyandstarvation Improveournationalsecurity Protecttheworld spoorfromharm ,p<0.001 n= Itemwording:Provideabetterlifeforourchildrenandgrandchildren 2 Itemwording:Preventthedestructionofmostlifeontheplanet 3 Itemwording:Helpfreeusfromdependenceonforeignoil 4 Itemwording:Savemanyplantandanimalspeciesfromextinction 5 Itemwording:Creategreenjobsandastrongereconomy 6 Itemwording:Savemanypeoplearoundtheworldfrompovertyandstarvation 7 Itemwording:Protecttheworld spoorestpeoplefromharmcausedbytheworld srichestpeople 36

37 Table5.2 NationalActiontoReduceGlobalWarming:GreatestConcern Ofthethingsyouselectedwhichoneisofgreatest concerntoyoupersonally? 1 Leadtomoregovernmentregulation Causeenergypricestorise Costjobsandharmoureconomy Harmpoorpeoplemorethanithelpsthem UndermineAmericansovereignty Interferewiththefreemarket ,p<0.001 n= Onlyaskedifrespondentpreviouslyselectedmorethanoneitemofconcern Table5.3 NationalActiontoReduceGlobalWarming:ShouldtheU.S.Act? Whichofthefollowingtwostatementsdoyoufindthemostconvincing? 2 Weshouldtakestepsbecause Weshouldnottakestepsbecause ,p=0.002 n= Onlyaskedifrespondentselectedatleastonebenefitandoneharm 3 Itemwording:Weshouldtakestepstoreduceglobalwarmingbecauseitwill[toporonlyreasonforactioninserted] 4 Itemwording:Weshouldnottakestepstoreduceglobalwarmingbecauseitwill[toporonlyconcerninserted] 37

38 Table6.0 BeliefsaboutPotentialOutcomesandtheEffectivenessofActions:WillWeSucceed? Whichofthefollowingstatementscomesclosest toyourview? Humanscan,andwearegoingto Humanscould,butit'sunclearwhetherwewill Humanscould,butpeoplearen'twilling Humanscan'treduceglobalwarming Globalwarmingisn'thappening n=2,125; 2,p< Itemwording:Humanscanreduceglobalwarming,andwearegoingtodososuccessfully. 2 Itemwording:Humanscouldreduceglobalwarming,butit'sunclearatthispointwhetherwewilldowhat'sneeded. 3 Itemwording:Humanscouldreduceglobalwarming,butpeoplearen'twillingtochangetheirbehavior,sowe'renot goingto. 4 Itemwording:Humanscan'treduceglobalwarming,evenifitishappening. 38

39 Table6.1 BeliefsaboutPotentialOutcomesandtheEffectivenessofActions:SavingEnergy 1 Thinkbacktotheenergysavingactionsyou realreadydoing andthoseyou dliketodooverthenext12months.ifyou didmostofthesethings,howmuchdoyouthinkitwould reduceyourpersonalcontributiontoglobalwarming? 2,p<0.001 Alot Some Alittle Notatall n= IfmostpeopleintheUnitedStatesdidthesesameactions, howmuchwoulditreduceglobalwarming? 2,p<0.001 Alot Some Alittle Notatall n= Ifmostpeopleinthemodernindustrializedcountriesaround theworlddidthesesameactions,howmuchwoulditreduce globalwarming? 2,p=0.001 Alot Some Alittle Notatall n= Thesethreeitemswereskippedifrespondentwasverysureorextremelysurethatglobalwarmingisnotoccurring. 39

40 Table7.0 NationalIssuePriorities 1 HerearesomeissuesnowbeingdiscussedinWashington, D.C.Doyouthinkeachoftheseissuesshouldbealow, medium,high,orveryhighpriorityforthenextpresident andcongress? Theeconomy n=2,152; 2,p<0.001 VeryHigh High Medium Low Thefederalbudgetdeficit n=2,148; 2,p<0.001 VeryHigh High Medium Low ThewarsinIraqandAfghanistan VeryHigh High Medium Low n=2,149; 2,p<0.001 Globalwarming n=2,140; 2,p<0.001 VeryHigh High Medium Low Includedherearethetopthreeprioritiesbynationalaverageandglobalwarming,rankedtenth.Otheritemsonthelistof11include healthcare,socialsecurity,terrorism,education,taxcuts,illegalimmigrationandabortion. 40

41 Table8.0 EnvironmentalIssuePriorities Herearesomeenvironmentalissuesnowbeingdiscussed inwashington,d.c.doyouthinkeachoftheseissues shouldbealow,medium,high,orveryhighpriorityforthe nextpresidentandcongress? Waterpollution n=2,148; 2,p<0.001 VeryHigh High Medium Low Toxicwaste n=2,145; 2,p<0.001 VeryHigh High Medium Low Airpollution VeryHigh High Medium Low n=2,149; 2,p<0.001 DamagetotheEarth'sozonelayer n=2,149; 2,p<0.001 VeryHigh High Medium Low Globalwarming n=2,142; 2,p<0.001 VeryHigh High Medium Low

42 Table8.0continued EnvironmentalIssuePriorities Herearesomeenvironmentalissuesnowbeingdiscussed inwashington,d.c.doyouthinkeachoftheseissues shouldbealow,medium,high,orveryhighpriorityforthe nextpresidentandcongress? Lossoftropicalrainforests n=2,149; 2,p<0.001 VeryHigh High Medium Low Extinctionofplantandanimalspecies n=2,144; 2,p<0.001 VeryHigh High Medium Low Acidrain VeryHigh High Medium Low n=2,132; 2,p<0.001 Urbansprawlandlossofopenspaces n=2,142; 2,p<0.001 VeryHigh High Medium Low

43 Table9.0 SupportforNationalResponse:ConditionsforAction PeopledisagreewhethertheUnitedStatesshouldreduce greenhousegasemissionsonitsown,ormakereductions onlyifothercountriesdotoo.whichofthefollowing statementscomesclosesttoyourownpointofview?the UnitedStatesshouldreduceitsgreenhousegas emissions Regardlessofwhatothercountriesdo Onlyifotherindustrializedcountriesdo Onlyifotherindustrializedanddevelopingcountriesdo TheUSshouldnotreduceitsemissions Don'tknow n=2,146; 2,p< Itemwording:Onlyifotherindustrializedcountries(suchasEngland,GermanyandJapan)reducetheiremissions. 2 Itemwording:Onlyifotherindustrializedcountriesanddevelopingcountries(suchasChina,IndiaandBrazil)reducetheir emissions. Table9.1 SupportforNationalResponse:MagnitudeofAction HowbigofaneffortshouldtheUnitedStatesmaketo reduceglobalwarming? Alargescaleeffort,evenifithaslargeeconomiccosts Amediumscaleeffort,evenifmoderateeconomiccost Asmallscaleeffort,evenifithassmalleconomiccosts Noeffort n=2,099; 2,p< Itemwording:Amediumscaleeffort,evenifithasmoderateeconomiccosts. 43

44 Table9.2 SupportforNationalResponse:SpecificClimateandEnergyPolicies Howmuchdoyousupportoropposethe followingpolicies? Fundmoreresearchintorenewableenergysources,suchassolarandwindpower. Stronglysupport Somewhatsupport Somewhatoppose Stronglyoppose n=2,062; 2,p<0.001 Providetaxrebatesforpeoplewhopurchaseenergyefficientvehiclesorsolarpanels. Stronglysupport Somewhatsupport Somewhatoppose Stronglyoppose n=2,073; 2,p=0.096 Regulatecarbondioxide(theprimarygreenhousegas)asapollutant. Stronglysupport Somewhatsupport Somewhatoppose Stronglyoppose n=2,055; 2,p<0.001 Requireautomakerstoincreasethefuelefficiencyofcars,trucks,andSUVS,to45mpg,evenifitmeans anewvehiclewillcostupto$1,000moretobuy. Stronglysupport Somewhatsupport Somewhatoppose Stronglyoppose n=2,067; 2,p<0.001 ExpandoffshoredrillingforoilandnaturalgasofftheU.S.coast. Stronglysupport

45 Table9.2continued SupportforNationalResponse:SpecificClimateandEnergyPolicies Howmuchdoyousupportoropposethe followingpolicies? Requireelectricutilitiestoproduceatleast20%oftheirelectricityfromwind,solar,orotherrenewable energysources,evenifitcosttheaveragehouseholdanextra$100ayear. Stronglysupport Somewhatsupport Somewhatoppose Stronglyoppose n=2,058; 2,p<0.338 Provideagovernmentsubsidytoreplaceoldwaterheaters,airconditioners,lightbulbs,andinsulation. Thissubsidywouldcosttheaveragehousehold$5amonthinhighertaxes.Thosewhotookadvantageof theprogramwouldsavemoneyontheirutilitybills. Stronglysupport Somewhatsupport Somewhatoppose Stronglyoppose n=2,068; 2,p<0.001 SignaninternationaltreatythatrequirestheUnitedStatestocutitsemissionsofcarbondioxide90% bytheyear2050. Stronglysupport Somewhatsupport Somewhatoppose Stronglyoppose n=2,040; 2,p<0.001 Buildmorenuclearpowerplants. Stronglysupport Somewhatsupport Somewhatoppose Stronglyoppose n=2,043; 2,p<

46 Table9.2continued SupportforNationalResponse:SpecificClimateandEnergyPolicies Howmuchdoyousupportoropposethe followingpolicies? EstablishaspecialfundtohelpmakebuildingsmoreenergyefficientandteachAmericanshowtoreducetheir energyuse.thiswouldadda$2.50surchargetotheaveragehousehold smonthlyelectricbill. Stronglysupport Somewhatsupport Somewhatoppose Stronglyoppose n=2,064; 2,p<0.001 DrillforoilintheArcticNationalWildlifeRefuge. Stronglysupport Somewhatsupport Somewhatoppose Stronglyoppose n=2,051; 2,p<0.001 Createanewnationalmarketthatallowscompaniestobuyandselltherighttoemitthegreenhouse gasessaidtocauseglobalwarming.thefederalgovernmentwouldsetanationalcaponemissions.each companywouldthenpurchasetherighttoemitaportionofthistotalamount.ifacompanythenemitted morethanitsportion,itwouldhavetobuymoreemissionrightsfromothercompaniesorpaylargefines. Stronglysupport Somewhatsupport Somewhatoppose Stronglyoppose n=2,019; 2,p<0.001 Increasetaxesongasolineby25centspergallonandreturntherevenuestotaxpayersbyreducing thefederalincometax. Stronglysupport Somewhatsupport Somewhatoppose Stronglyoppose n=2,062; 2,p<

47 Table10.0 ExpectationsofElectedOfficials,CorporationsandCitizens Doyouthinkthefollowingshouldbedoingmore orlesstoaddressglobalwarming? Corporationsandindustry Muchmore More CurrentlyDoingtheRightAmount Less MuchLess n=2,090; 2,p=0.012 Citizensthemselves Muchmore More CurrentlyDoingtheRightAmount Less MuchLess n=2,089; 2,p=0.001 TheU.S.Congress Muchmore More CurrentlyDoingtheRightAmount Less MuchLess n=2,088; 2,p=0.001 ThePresident Muchmore More CurrentlyDoingtheRightAmount Less MuchLess n=2,089; 2,p=

48 Table10.0continued ExpectationsofElectedOfficials,CorporationsandCitizens Yourstatelegislators Muchmore More CurrentlyDoingtheRightAmount Less MuchLess n=2,097; 2,p=0.002 YourGovernor Muchmore More CurrentlyDoingtheRightAmount Less MuchLess n=2,097; 2,p<0.001 Yourlocalgovernmentofficials Muchmore More CurrentlyDoingtheRightAmount Less MuchLess n=2,103; 2,p<

49 Table11.0 PoliticalActivism:Actions Overthepast12months,howmanytimeshaveyou doneeachofthefollowing? Writtenletters, ,orphonegovernmentofficialstourgethemtotakeactiontoreduceglobalwarming Manytimes(6+) Severaltimes(45) Afewtimes(23) Once Never Don'tKnow n=2,131; 2,p<0.001 Attendedacommunitymeetingorrallyaboutglobalwarming Manytimes(6+) Severaltimes(45) Afewtimes(23) Once Never Don'tKnow n=2,125; 2,p<0.001 Volunteeredwithordonatedmoneytoanorganizationworkingtoreduceglobalwarming Manytimes(6+) Severaltimes(45) Afewtimes(23) Once Never Don'tKnow n=2,116; 2,p<

50 Table11.1 PoliticalActivism:Intentions Overthenext12months,wouldyouliketodoeach ofthefollowing Writeletters, ,orphonegovernmentofficialstourgethemtotakeactiontoreduceglobalwarming Morefrequently Aboutthesame Lessfrequently n=2,077; 2,p<0.001 Attendacommunitymeetingorrallyaboutglobalwarming Morefrequently Aboutthesame Lessfrequently n=2,080; 2,p<0.001 Volunteerwithordonatedmoneytoanorganizationworkingtoreduceglobalwarming Morefrequently Aboutthesame Lessfrequently n=2,076; 2,p<0.001 Table11.2 PoliticalActivism:ConfidenceinOwnAbilitytoAct 1 Howconfidentareyouthatyoucandothesethings morefrequentlyoverthenext12months? Writeletters, ,orphonegovernmentofficialstourgethemtotakeactiontoreduceglobalwarming Completelyconfident Moderatelyconfident Littlebitconfident Notatallconfident ,p=0.110 n= Onlyaskedofthosewhorespondedtoanearlieritemthattheywouldliketodomoreofthiswithinthenext12months. 50

51 Table11.2continued PoliticalActivism:ConfidenceinOwnAbilitytoAct Howconfidentareyouthatyoucandothesethings morefrequentlyoverthenext12months? Attendacommunitymeetingorrallyaboutglobalwarming Completelyconfident Moderatelyconfident Littlebitconfident Notatallconfident ,p=0.008 n= Volunteerwithordonatedmoneytoanorganizationworkingtoreduceglobalwarming Completelyconfident Moderatelyconfident Littlebitconfident Notatallconfident ,p=0.051 n= Table11.3 PoliticalActivism:PerceivedEffectivenessofOwnAction Ifyouweretodoeachofthefollowing,how effectivewoulditbeingettinggovernmentofficials totakeactiontoreduceglobalwarming? Writeletters, ,orphonegovernmentofficialstourgethemtotakeactiontoreduceglobalwarming Highlyeffective Prettyeffective Alittleeffect Noeffect Don'tknow ,p<0.001 n=2,099 Attendacommunitymeetingorrallyaboutglobalwarming Highlyeffective Prettyeffective Alittleeffect Noeffect Don'tknow ,p<0.001 n=2,094 51

52 Table11.3continued PoliticalActivism:PerceivedEffectivenessofOwnAction Ifyouweretodoeachofthefollowing,how effectivewoulditbeingettinggovernmentofficials totakeactiontoreduceglobalwarming? Volunteerwithordonatedmoneytoanorganizationworkingtoreduceglobalwarming Highlyeffective Prettyeffective Alittleeffect Noeffect Don'tknow n=2,086; 2,p<0.001 Table12.0 ConsumerActivism:Actions Overthepast12months,howmanytimeshaveyou donethesethings? Rewardedcompaniesthataretakingstepstoreduceglobalwarmingbybuyingtheirproducts Manytimes(6+) Severaltimes(45) Afewtimes(23) Once Never n=1,712; 2,p<0.001 PunishedcompaniesthatareopposingstepstoreduceglobalwarmingbyNOTbuyingtheirproducts Manytimes(6+) Severaltimes(45) Afewtimes(23) Once Never n=1,672; 2,p=

53 Table12.1 ConsumerActivism:Intentions Overthenext12months wouldyouliketopunishcompaniesthatareopposingstepstoreduceglobalwarmingbynotbuyingtheirproducts Morefrequentlythanyouarenow Aboutthesameasyouarenow Lessfrequentlythanyouarenow n=2,108; 2,p= doyouintendtobuytheproductsofcompaniesthataretakingstepstoreduceglobalwarming Morefrequentlythanyouarenow Aboutthesameasyouarenow Lessfrequentlythanyouarenow n=2,102; 2,p<

54 Table13.0 EnergyEfficiencyActionsandIntentions Thenextquestionsaskaboutwhatenergyrelated actionsyouwouldliketodo.whichofthefollowing bestdescribeswhatyouarelikelytodooverthenext12 months? 1 Installnewinsulationinyourattic Alreadyhavedonethis Wouldliketodothisandprobablywill Wouldliketodothisbutprobablywon't Nointentiontodothis Notapplicable n=2,035; 2,p<0.001 Caulkandweatherstripyourhometoreducedrafts Alreadyhavedonethis Wouldliketodothisandprobablywill Wouldliketodothisbutprobablywon't Nointentiontodothis Notapplicable n=1,957; 2,p<0.001 Purchaseanenergyefficienthomefurnace Alreadyhavedonethis Wouldliketodothisandprobablywill Wouldliketodothisbutprobablywon't Nointentiontodothis Notapplicable n=1,887; 2,p<0.001 Purchaseanenergyefficienthomeairconditioner Alreadyhavedonethis Wouldliketodothisandprobablywill Wouldliketodothisbutprobablywon't Nointentiontodothis Notapplicable n=1,953; 2,p< Responsecategorieswerecreatedbycombiningquestionsthatfirstaskedrespondentswhichenergyefficiencyimprovementsthey hadmadefollowedbyquestionsontheirintentionsoverthecomingyeariftheyhadnotyetmadetheimprovement. 54