The majority of Americans believe that climate change is happening, that human activities are largely responsible, and are actually willing to put up their own money to help fight it. Unfortunately, these views diverge sharply along party lines and, as in many other areas these days, the will of the overall majority has little influence on policy.
According to Yale University research, 73% of adults think that global warming in happening and 57% think it is mostly caused by human activities. Furthermore, only 32% believe it is due to natural forces.
A survey conducted in the U.S. in August found that more than two-thirds of Americans – actually 70% – indicated willingness to donate a percentage of their personal income to support the fight against climate change.
Breaking that down further, 28% were willing to provide less than 1% of their income, 33% were willing to contribute 1-5% of their income, 6% said they would give 6-10% of their income, and 3% said they would contribute more than 10% of their income. On the other hand, roughly 30% indicated that they were unwilling to contribute.
The survey also looked at opinions on how the fight against climate change should be paid for. The majority (59%) chose government incentives for both businesses and consumers. Three other options each favored by over 40% of those surveyed were taxes, conservation programs, and business investments.
Another finding of the survey was that 44% are dissatisfied with the job that the federal and state governments are doing to address climate change, 35% are somewhat satisfied, and only 21% are very or completely satisfied with the government’s role.
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Web Links
Yale Climate Opinion Maps 2020
Two-thirds of Americans are willing to donate part of their income to fight climate change
Photo, posted April 29, 2017, courtesy of majunznk via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.
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