Race, Ethnicity and Public Responses to Climate Change

52485_72010_04_Race_Ethnicity_and_Public_Responses_to_Climate_Change.pdf 1 R R A A C C E E , , E E T T H H N N I I C C I I T T Y Y a a n n d d P P u u b b l l i i c c R R e e s s p p o o n n s s e e s s t t o o C C l l i i m m a a t t e e C C h h a a n n g g e e 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) 432-4865 anthony.leiserowitz@yale.edu

Karen Akerlof

Center for Climate Change Communication

Department of Communication, George Mason University (703) 282-1289 kakerlof@gmu.edu 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. http://environment.yale.edu/uploads/RaceEthnicity2010.pdf 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. 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). 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 2050. 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; 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. 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 2000. For example, California has set one of the most ambitious renewable energy standards in the country, requiring 8

electric utilities and providers to increase procurement from eligible renewable energy resources to

20% by 2010.

7 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%). 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%). 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%). 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. 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%). 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 2050. Support was especially strong among Hispanics (77%) and “Other" races (76%). 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,2010

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

2008. 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 2008. 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. 16 17 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

2008. 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").

2010. 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"). 19

References

1 Park, A. (2009). Everybody"s movement: Environmental justice and climate change. Washington, DC: Environmental Support Center. Retrieved from http://envsc.org/esc-publications/everybodys- movement 2 U.S. Census Bureau. (2008, Aug. 14). An older and more diverse nation by midcentury. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/population/001249.html 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), 66495-66546. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/endangerment/downloads/Federal_Register-

EPA-HQOAR-2009-0171-Dec.15-09.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-

500-2009-038-D. Retrieved from http://www.energy.ca.gov/2009publications/CEC-500-2009-

038/CEC-500-2009-038-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: http://docs.nrdc.org/globalWarming/glo_09062504.asp 6 Pew Center on Global Climate Change. (2009). Renewable & alternative energy portfolio standards. Retrieved from http://www.pewclimate.org/what_s_being_done/in_the_states/rps.cfm 7 The California Energy Commission. (2010). California's renewable energy programs. Retrieved from: http://www.energy.ca.gov/renewables/index.html 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 http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-2454

TableTitlePage

1.0GlobalWarmingBeliefandCertainty22

2.0IssueInvolvement23

PerceivedGlobalWarmingKnowledgeandBeliefs

3.0SelfͲAssessedKnowledge24

3.1CausesandScientificConsensus25

3.226

RiskPerceptions

4.0EstimatesofInjuriesandFatalities27

4.1WhoIsatRisk28Ͳ29

4.2TimingofHarm30

4.3TypesofHarm31Ͳ33

4.4LikelihoodofHarm34

OutcomesfromNationalActiontoReduceGlobalWarming

5.0Expectations35

5.1MostImportantBenefit36

5.2GreatestConcern37

5.337 BeliefsaboutPotentialOutcomesandtheEffectivenessofActions

6.0WillWeSucceed?38

6.1SavingEnergy39

7.0NationalIssuePriorities40

8.0EnvironmentalIssuePriorities41Ͳ42

SupportforNationalResponse

9.0ConditionsforAction43

9.1MagnitudeofAction43

9.2SpecificClimateandEnergyPolicies44Ͳ46

10.0ExpectationsofElectedOfficials,CorporationsandCitizens47Ͳ48

ClimateSystemMentalModels

ShouldtheU.S.Act?

TableofContents

Race,EthnicityandPublicResponsestoClimateChange:2008NationalSurvey 20

TableTitlePage

PoliticalActivism

11.0Actions49

11.1Intentions50

11.2ConfidenceinOwnAbilitytoAct50Ͳ51

11.3PerceivedEffectivenessofOwnAction51Ͳ52

ConsumerActivism

12.0Actions52

12.1Intentions 53

EnergyEfficiency

13.0Energy EfficiencyActionsandIntentions54Ͳ55

14.0Barriers toHomeEnergyEfficiencyImprovements56Ͳ58

EnergyConservation

15.0EnergyConservationActions58Ͳ59

16.0BarrierstoPublicTransportation60

17.0PerceivedLifestyleImpactsfromPersonalActions60

18.0InterpersonalCommunication61

19.061

EnvironmentalBeliefsandConcerns

20.0IdentificationasEnvironmentalist62

20.1ConcernforOtherSpecies,Humans,Self62

21.0InformationSeekingandAttention63Ͳ64

22.0TrustinInformationSources65Ͳ66

23.0FrequencyofMediaUse67Ͳ68

24.0PreferredNewsSources69

PoliticalAffiliationandIdeology

TableofContentscontinued

Race,EthnicityandPublicResponsestoClimateChange:2008NationalSurvey 21

Table1.0|GlobalWarmingBeliefandCertainty

Recently,youmayhavenoticedthatglobalwarming

hasbeengettingsomeattentioninthenews.Global warmingreferstotheideathattheworld"saverage temperaturehasbeenincreasingoverthepast150 years,maybeincreasingmoreinthefuture,andthat theworld"sclimatemaychangeasaresult.Whatdo youthink?Doyouthinkthatglobalwarmingis happening? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Recently,youmayhavenoticedthatglobalwarming

hasbeengettingsomeattentioninthenews.Global warmingreferstotheideathattheworld"saverage temperaturehasbeenincreasingoverthepast150 years,maybeincreasingmoreinthefuture,andthat theworld"sclimatemaychangeasaresult.Whatdo youthink?Doyouthinkthatglobalwarmingis happening?

Yes71817277 69

Don'tknow19152816 19

No10407 12

n=2,157;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Howsureareyouthatglobalwarmingishappening?

[Howsureareyouthatglobalwarmingisnot happening?] N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Extremelysureglobalwarmingishappening25322433 23

Verysureglobalwarmingishappening26312428 26

Somewhatsureglobalwarmingishappening17102212 18

Notatallsureglobalwarmingishappening38242

Don'tknow19152816 19

Notatallsureglobalwarmingisnothappening10001

Somewhatsureglobalwarmingisnothappening43014

Verysureglobalwarmingisnothappening30024

Extremelysureglobalwarmingisnothappening31043

n=2,156;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 "Icouldeasilychangemymindaboutglobalwarming." N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Stronglydisagree34362144 34

Somewhatdisagree34293533 35

Somewhatagree27342921 27

Stronglyagree52152 4

n=2,124;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 22

Table2.0|IssueInvolvement

Howimportantistheissueofglobalwarmingtoyou

personally? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Howimportantistheissueofglobalwarmingtoyou

personally?

Extremelyimportant1121815 9

Veryimportant21162828 20

Somewhatimportant39444835 38

Nottooimportant18121014 21

Notatallimportant11779 13

n=2,144;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Howmuchhadyouthoughtaboutglobalwarming

beforetoday? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Howmuchhadyouthoughtaboutglobalwarming

beforetoday?

Alot20221830 19

Some352529 3937

Alittle33352921 34

Notatall12182410 10

n=2,149;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Howworriedareyouaboutglobalwarming?

N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Howworriedareyouaboutglobalwarming?

Veryworried17281826 13

Somewhatworried46484139 47

Notveryworried24173325 24

Notatallworried13789 16

n=2,148;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 23
Table3.0|PerceivedGlobalWarmingKnowledgeandBeliefs:SelfͲAssessedKnowledge

Personally,doyouthinkthatyouarewellinformedornot

about... N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Personally,doyouthinkthatyouarewellinformedornot

about...

Thedifferentcausesofglobalwarming

Verywellinformed1113417 11

Fairlywellinformed51503847 54

Notverywellinformed29263729 28

Notatallinformed911217 7

n=2,142;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Verywellinformed1212318 13

Fairlywellinformed50493845 52

Notverywellinformed30294031 28

Notatallinformed911187 7

n=2,138;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Verywellinformed1215315 13

Fairlywellinformed53454948 56

Notverywellinformed27283129 26

Notatallinformed813177 5

n=2,130;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Thedifferentcausesofglobalwarming

Thedifferentconsequencesofglobalwarming

Waysinwhichwecanreduceglobalwarming

24
Table3.1|PerceivedGlobalWarmingKnowledgeandBeliefs:CausesandScientificConsensus

Ifglobalwarmingishappening,doyouthinkitis...

N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Causedmostlybyhumanactivities57635366 56

Causedbyhumanactivitiesandnaturalchanges56365

Causedmostlybynaturalchangesintheenvironment32283525 33

Neitherbecauseglobalwarmingisn'thappening42743

Don'tknow10101

Other(Pleasespecify)10201

n=2,145;ʖ 2 ,p=0.002

Whichcomesclosertoyourownview?

N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % ) Mostscientiststhinkglobalwarmingishappening47525048 45

Thereisalotofdisagreement332717 2837

Don'tknowenoughtosay18213222 15

Mostscientiststhinkglobalwarmingisnothappening21133 n=2,148;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 25
Table3.2|PerceivedGlobalWarmingKnowledgeandBeliefs:ClimateSystemMentalModels

Peopledisagreeabouthowtheclimatesystem

works.Thefivepicturesbelowillustratefive 26
p differentperspectives.Eachpicturedepictsthe earth"sclimatesystemasaballbalancedonaline, yeteachonehasadifferentabilitytowithstand humanͲcausedglobalwarming.Whichoneofthe fivepicturesbestrepresentsyourunderstandingof howtheclimatesystemworks? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % ) p differentperspectives.Eachpicturedepictsthe earth"sclimatesystemasaballbalancedonaline, yeteachonehasadifferentabilitytowithstand humanͲcausedglobalwarming.Whichoneofthe fivepicturesbestrepresentsyourunderstandingof howtheclimatesystemworks?

Gradual32413127 31

Random27223120 28

Threshold241621 3225

Fragile121612 2010

Stable54416

n=2,068;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 26
Table4.0|RiskPerceptions:EstimatesofInjuriesandFatalities

Nowpleasethinkaboutthehumanhealtheffectsof

globalwarming.(Pleasechoosetheanswer correspondingtoyourbestestimate.)Worldwide, howmanypeopledoyouthink... N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Nowpleasethinkaboutthehumanhealtheffectsof

globalwarming.(Pleasechoosetheanswer correspondingtoyourbestestimate.)Worldwide, howmanypeopledoyouthink...

Currentlydieeachyearduetoglobalwarming?

Millions35343

Thousands14161220 13

Hundreds121412 1311

None23169 2027

Don'tKnow48496543 46

n=2,138;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Millions55275

Thousands152118 1913

Hundreds13148 1213

None21157 1925

Don'tKnow46456543 44

n=2,140;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Millions1113815 10

Thousands171817 2116

Hundreds8103 69

None1484 1517

Don'tKnow50516743 48

n=2,146;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Millions1314822 13

Thousands151916 1515

Hundreds79448

None159413 18

Don'tKnow50496845 47

n=2,125;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Currentlydieeachyearduetoglobalwarming?

Arecurrentlyinjuredorbecomeilleachyearduetoglobalwarming? Willbeinjuredorbecomeilleachyear50yearsfromnowduetoglobalwarming?

Willdieeachyear50yearsfromnowduetoglobalwarming?

27

Table4.1|RiskPerceptions:WhoIsatRisk

Howmuchdoyouthinkglobalwarmingwillharm:

N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Youpersonally

Howmuchdoyouthinkglobalwarmingwillharm:

Agreatdeal10231219 6

Amoderateamount22242722 21

Onlyalittle242215 2625

Notatall22101119 26

Don'tknow23223514 22

n=2,140;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Agreatdeal11221321 8

Amoderateamount24282624 23

Onlyalittle23211824 24

Notatall1888 1722

Don'tknow23213514 22

n=2,137;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Agreatdeal13221424 11

Amoderateamount26302833 24

Onlyalittle20161618 22

Notatall1786 1420

Don'tknow23243611 22

n=2,136;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Agreatdeal21272437 18

Amoderateamount28312828 27

Onlyalittle151111 1017

Notatall1475 1416

Don'tknow22243210 21

n=2,144;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Yourcommunity

PeopleintheUnitedStates

Youpersonally

Yourfamily

28

Table4.1continued|RiskPerceptions:WhoIsatRisk

Howmuchdoyouthinkglobalwarmingwillharm:

N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Peopleinothermodernindustrializedcountries

Howmuchdoyouthinkglobalwarmingwillharm:

Agreatdeal22282336 20

Amoderateamount28292526 28

Onlyalittle131110 915

Notatall136414 16

Don'tknow24263814 22

Agreatdeal313928 4829

Amoderateamount21242319 21

Onlyalittle11684 12

Notatall136314 15

Don'tknow24253814 22

Agreatdeal444939 6742

Amoderateamount17161818 8

Onlyalittle76394

Notatall106311 12

Don'tknow22223721 9

Agreatdeal45464663 43

Amoderateamount17181515 17

Onlyalittle8663 10

Notatall96312 11

Don'tknow2024308 19

n=2,136;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 n=2,127;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 n=2,130;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Peopleinothermodernindustrializedcountries

Peopleindevelopingcountries

n=2,138;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Futuregenerationsofpeople

Plantandanimalspecies

29

Table4.2|RiskPerceptions:TimingofHarm

Whendoyouthinkglobalwarmingwillstarttoharmpeople

intheUnitedStates? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Whendoyouthinkglobalwarmingwillstarttoharmpeople

intheUnitedStates?

Theyarebeingharmednow34374344 31

In10years131515 1512

In25years131610 1513

In50years131313 1014

In100years1212910 13

Never15797 18

Theyarebeingharmednow

n=2,095;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Whendoyouthinkglobalwarmingwillstarttoharmother

peoplearoundtheworld? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Theyarebeingharmednow

Whendoyouthinkglobalwarmingwillstarttoharmother

peoplearoundtheworld?

38364542 37

In10years131712 1612

In25years121613 1411

In50years121110 1112

In100years11101310 11

Never14107 717

Theyarebeingharmednow

n=2,088;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 30

Table4.3|RiskPerceptions:TypesofHarm

Worldwideoverthenext20years,doyouthinkglobal

warmingwillcausemoreorlessofthefollowing,ifnothing isdonetoaddressit? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Worldwideoverthenext20years,doyouthinkglobal

warmingwillcausemoreorlessofthefollowing,ifnothing isdonetoaddressit?

Severeheatwaves

Manymore42524950 38

Afewmore24202219 26

Nodifference146316 17

Afewless12200

Manyless11041

Don'tKnow19192412 18

Manymore43505050 40

Afewmore22171922 23

Nodifference1411613 16

Afewless14301

Manyless11041

Don'tKnow19172311 20

Manymore41514547 37

Afewmore24172225 25

Nodifference1410415 17

Afewless12301

Manyless13041

Don'tKnow1918259 19

Manymore39484849 35

Afewmore241820 2226

Nodifference159614 17

Afewless12201

Manyless12141

Don'tKnow21212412 21

Droughtsandwatershortages

Severeheatwaves

n=2,140;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 n=2,131;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Extinctionsofplantandanimalspecies

Faminesandfoodshortages

n=2,140;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 n=2,131;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 31

Table4.3continued|RiskPerceptions:TypesofHarm

Worldwideoverthenext20years,doyouthinkglobal

warmingwillcausemoreorlessofthefollowing,ifnothing isdonetoaddressit? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Worldwideoverthenext20years,doyouthinkglobal

warmingwillcausemoreorlessofthefollowing,ifnothing isdonetoaddressit?

Intenserainstorms

Manymore39444947 36

Afewmore24242323 24

Nodifference1510517 18

Afewless13011

Manyless11041

Don'tKnow2019239 21

Manymore39444843 37

Afewmore23202525 23

Nodifference158317 18

Afewless01000

Manyless11041

Don'tKnow22262511 22

Manymore38484741 34

Afewmore24212228 24

Nodifference168516 19

Afewless12100

Manyless11041

Don'tKnow21202512 21

Manymore31444142 26

Afewmore221621 2223

Nodifference209722 23

Afewless13101

Manyless11001

Don'tKnow26273114 27

Intensehurricanes

Intenserainstorms

n=2,131;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 n=2,138;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Forestfires

Diseaseepidemics

n=2,132;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 n=2,134;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 32

Table4.3continued|RiskPerceptions:TypesofHarm

Worldwideoverthenext20years,doyouthinkglobal

warmingwillcausemoreorlessofthefollowing,ifnothing isdonetoaddressit? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Worldwideoverthenext20years,doyouthinkglobal

warmingwillcausemoreorlessofthefollowing,ifnothing isdonetoaddressit?

Peoplelivinginpoverty

Manymore33394638 30

Afewmore18201427 18

Nodifference22161118 26

Afewless02000

Manyless12041

Don'tKnow25213014 26

Manymore32403938 29

Afewmore19221823 18

Nodifference209918 24

Afewless14201

Manyless11041

Don'tKnow27263217 27

n=2,133;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Peoplelivinginpoverty

n=2,136;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Refugees

33

Table4.4|RiskPerceptions:LikelihoodofHarm

Worldwideoverthenext20years,howlikelydoyouthink

itisthatglobalwarmingwillcauseeachofthefollowingif nothingisdonetoaddressit? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Worldwideoverthenext20years,howlikelydoyouthink

itisthatglobalwarmingwillcauseeachofthefollowingif nothingisdonetoaddressit?

Meltingicecapsandglaciers

Verylikely53545363 52

Somewhatlikely20231918 20

Somewhatunlikely44215

Veryunlikely64197

Don'tKnow1616258 15

Verylikely31362940 29

Somewhatlikely30322738 30

Somewhatunlikely87759

Veryunlikely9637 10

Don'tKnow22193310 23

Verylikely32453542 28

Somewhatlikely25212532 25

Somewhatunlikely139109 15

Veryunlikely10628 12

Don'tKnow2019289 20

n=2,151;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Abandoninglargecoastalcitiesduetorisingsealevels

n=2,137;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Meltingicecapsandglaciers

n=2,151;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Expandingdeserts

34
Table5.0|NationalActiontoReduceGlobalWarming:Expectations

Pleasecheckalloftheanswersbelowthatyoubelieve

aretrue.Ifournationtakesstepstoreduceglobal warming,itwill.... N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Pleasecheckalloftheanswersbelowthatyoubelieve

aretrue.Ifournationtakesstepstoreduceglobal warming,itwill....

Provideabetterlifefornextgeneration

1

66677069 65

Preventplant/animalextinction*

2

65737065 63

Improvepeople"shealth60626565 58

Createjobs/astrongeconomy*

3

54566261 52

Preventthedestructionofmostlife*

4

50666354 44

ProtectGod"screation*48606531 44

Lessenforeignoildependence

5

48444755 48

Leadtomoregovernmentregulation*44313850 46

Protecttheworld"spoorfromharm*

6

35384441 32

Savepeoplefrompovertyandstarvation*

7

34334541 32

Causeenergypricestorise*31281528 34

Improveournationalsecurity*17202117 15

Costjobsandharmoureconomy17161215 18

Interferewiththefreemarket*136314 15

Harmpoorpeoplemorethanithelpsthem*111366 12

UndermineAmericansovereignty*810112 8

n=2164286 2401499138 1 Itemwording:Provideabetterlifeforourchildrenandgrandchildren 2 Itemwording:Savemanyplantandanimalspeciesfromextinction 3

Itemwording:Creategreenjobsandastrongereconomy

4 Itemwording:Preventthedestructionofmostlifeontheplanet 5

Itemwording:Helpfreeusfromdependenceonforeignoil

6 Itemwording:Protecttheworld"spoorestpeoplefromharmcausedbytheworld"srichestpeople 7 Itemwording:Savemanypeoplearoundtheworldfrompovertyandstarvation *ʖ 2 statisticallysignificant,p<0.05 35
Table5.1|NationalActiontoReduceGlobalWarming:MostImportantBenefit

Ofthereasonsyouselected,whichoneismost

importanttoyoupersonally? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Ofthereasonsyouselected,whichoneismost

importanttoyoupersonally?

Provideabetterlifefornextgeneration

1

26242041 26

ProtectGod'screation19213411 16

Preventthedestructionofmostlife

2

1618611 18

Improvepeople'shealth1081214 10

Lessenforeignoildependence

3 89689

Preventplant/animalextinction

4 86749

Createjobs/astrongeconomy

5

61037 5

Savepeoplefrompovertyandstarvation

6

40104 4

Improveournationalsecurity13100

Protecttheworld"spoorfromharm

7 10202
ʖ 2 ,p<0.001n=1427206 179950 92 1 Itemwording:Provideabetterlifeforourchildrenandgrandchildren 2 Itemwording:Preventthedestructionofmostlifeontheplanet 3

Itemwording:Helpfreeusfromdependenceonforeignoil

4 Itemwording:Savemanyplantandanimalspeciesfromextinction 5

Itemwording:Creategreenjobsandastrongereconomy

6 Itemwording:Savemanypeoplearoundtheworldfrompovertyandstarvation 7 Itemwording:Protecttheworld"spoorestpeoplefromharmcausedbytheworld"srichestpeople 36
Table5.2|NationalActiontoReduceGlobalWarming:GreatestConcern

Ofthethingsyouselectedwhichoneisofgreatest

concerntoyoupersonally? 1 N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Ofthethingsyouselectedwhichoneisofgreatest

concerntoyoupersonally? 1

Leadtomoregovernmentregulation3323409 36

Causeenergypricestorise2731348 29

Costjobsandharmoureconomy2033474 18

Harmpoorpeoplemorethanithelpsthem8400 05

UndermineAmericansovereignty70022 7

Interferewiththefreemarket60017 5

ʖ 2 ,p<0.001n=3433 01527523 1 Onlyaskedifrespondentpreviouslyselectedmorethanoneitemofconcern Table5.3|NationalActiontoReduceGlobalWarming:ShouldtheU.S.Act? Whichofthefollowingtwostatementsdoyoufindthemostconvincing? 2 N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Weshouldtakestepsbecause...

3

92979996 90

Weshouldnottakestepsbecause...

4

8314 10

ʖ 2 ,p=0.002n=953116 103664 70 2 Onlyaskedifrespondentselectedatleastonebenefitandoneharm 3 Itemwording:Weshouldtakestepstoreduceglobalwarmingbecauseitwill[toporonlyreasonforactioninserted] 4 Itemwording:Weshouldnottakestepstoreduceglobalwarmingbecauseitwill[toporonlyconcerninserted] 37
Table6.0|BeliefsaboutPotentialOutcomesandtheEffectivenessofActions:WillWeSucceed?

Whichofthefollowingstatementscomesclosest

toyourview? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Humanscan,andwearegoingto

1 69964

Humanscould,butit'sunclearwhetherwewill

2

51484352 53

Humanscould,butpeoplearen'twilling

3

22292723 20

Humanscan'treduceglobalwarming

4

16131713 17

Globalwarmingisn'thappening51466

goingto. 4 Itemwording:Humanscan'treduceglobalwarming,evenifitishappening. n=2,125;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 1 Itemwording:Humanscanreduceglobalwarming,andwearegoingtodososuccessfully. 2 Itemwording:Humanscouldreduceglobalwarming,butit'sunclearatthispointwhetherwewilldowhat'sneeded. 3 Itemwording:Humanscouldreduceglobalwarming,butpeoplearen'twillingtochangetheirbehavior,sowe'renot 38
Table6.1|BeliefsaboutPotentialOutcomesandtheEffectivenessofActions:SavingEnergy 1 ThinkbacktotheenergyͲsavingactionsyou"realreadydoing andthoseyou"dliketodooverthenext12months.Ifyou didmostofthesethings,howmuchdoyouthinkitwould reduceyourpersonalcontributiontoglobalwarming? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % ) ThinkbacktotheenergyͲsavingactionsyou"realreadydoing andthoseyou"dliketodooverthenext12months.Ifyou didmostofthesethings,howmuchdoyouthinkitwould reduceyourpersonalcontributiontoglobalwarming?

Alot13241619 10

Some354444 3232

Alittle36242633 40

Notatall1681316 17

n=2034282 2381311383

IfmostpeopleintheUnitedStatesdidthesesameactions,

howmuchwoulditreduceglobalwarming? ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

IfmostpeopleintheUnitedStatesdidthesesameactions,

howmuchwoulditreduceglobalwarming?

Alot42534945 38

Some363439 3436

Alittle147514 17

Notatall86679

n=2031283 2391311378 Ifmostpeopleinthemodernindustrializedcountriesaround theworlddidthesesameactions,howmuchwoulditreduce globalwarming? ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % ) Ifmostpeopleinthemodernindustrializedcountriesaround theworlddidthesesameactions,howmuchwoulditreduce globalwarming?

Alot60696662 57

Some252321 2326

Alittle95710 11

Notatall63656

n=2026282 2391281377 ʖ 2 ,p=0.001 1 Thesethreeitemswereskippedifrespondentwasverysureorextremelysurethatglobalwarmingisnotoccurring. 39

Table7.0|NationalIssuePriorities

1

HerearesomeissuesnowbeingdiscussedinWashington,

D.C.Doyouthinkeachoftheseissuesshouldbealow,

medium,high,orveryhighpriorityforthenextpresident andCongress? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

HerearesomeissuesnowbeingdiscussedinWashington,

D.C.Doyouthinkeachoftheseissuesshouldbealow,

medium,high,orveryhighpriorityforthenextpresident andCongress?

Theeconomy

VeryHigh76808479 73

High20131417 22

Medium35243

Low12001

VeryHigh49475855 47

High373833 2839

Medium13128 1614

Low12011

VeryHigh45405765 42

High394033 2341

Medium131496 15

Low37153

n=2,149;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

VeryHigh20272631 17

High333940 2731

Medium302930 3030

Low1764 1221

n=2,140;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 n=2,148;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

ThewarsinIraqandAfghanistan

Globalwarming

1

Includedherearethetopthreeprioritiesbynationalaverageandglobalwarming,rankedtenth.Otheritemsonthelistof11include

healthcare,socialsecurity,terrorism,education,taxcuts,illegalimmigrationandabortion.

Theeconomy

n=2,152;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Thefederalbudgetdeficit

40

Table8.0|EnvironmentalIssuePriorities

Herearesomeenvironmentalissuesnowbeingdiscussed

inWashington,D.C.Doyouthinkeachoftheseissues shouldbealow,medium,high,orveryhighpriorityforthe nextpresidentandCongress? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Herearesomeenvironmentalissuesnowbeingdiscussed

inWashington,D.C.Doyouthinkeachoftheseissues shouldbealow,medium,high,orveryhighpriorityforthe nextpresidentandCongress?

Waterpollution

VeryHigh30374341 25

High424040 3543

Medium242116 2026

Low52246

VeryHigh26323538 23

High394139 3639

Medium282326 2330

Low64038

VeryHigh24333435 20

High403938 3740

Medium30242823 32

Low64067

VeryHigh253727 3821

High323641 2731

Medium312129 2234

Low1263 1214

VeryHigh27403341 22

High303336 2729

Medium282028 2130

Low167311 20

Toxicwaste

Waterpollution

n=2,148;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 n=2,142;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 n=2,145;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Airpollution

n=2,149;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

DamagetotheEarth'sozonelayer

n=2,149;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Globalwarming

41

Table8.0continued|EnvironmentalIssuePriorities

Herearesomeenvironmentalissuesnowbeingdiscussed

inWashington,D.C.Doyouthinkeachoftheseissues shouldbealow,medium,high,orveryhighpriorityforthe nextpresidentandCongress? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Herearesomeenvironmentalissuesnowbeingdiscussed

inWashington,D.C.Doyouthinkeachoftheseissues shouldbealow,medium,high,orveryhighpriorityforthe nextpresidentandCongress?

Lossoftropicalrainforests

VeryHigh21321725 19

High333935 2333

Medium321638 3734

Low141310 1414

VeryHigh19292124 16

High293228 3228

Medium362640 2638

Low171310 1818

VeryHigh13211317 11

High313441 3128

Medium40313736 42

Low1614916 18

n=2,132;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

VeryHigh142210 2012

High273029 2227

Medium412846 3643

Low181915 2117

n=2,142;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 n=2,144;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Acidrain

Urbansprawlandlossofopenspaces

Lossoftropicalrainforests

n=2,149;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Extinctionofplantandanimalspecies

42
Table9.0|SupportforNationalResponse:ConditionsforAction

PeopledisagreewhethertheUnitedStatesshouldreduce

greenhousegasemissionsonitsown,ormakereductions onlyifothercountriesdotoo.Whichofthefollowing statementscomesclosesttoyourownpointofview?The

UnitedStatesshouldreduceitsgreenhousegas

emissions... N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

PeopledisagreewhethertheUnitedStatesshouldreduce

greenhousegasemissionsonitsown,ormakereductions onlyifothercountriesdotoo.Whichofthefollowing statementscomesclosesttoyourownpointofview?The

UnitedStatesshouldreduceitsgreenhousegas

emissions...

Regardlessofwhatothercountriesdo67636561 69

Onlyifotherindustrializedcountriesdo

1 22192

Onlyifotherindustrializedanddevelopingcountriesdo

2 77488

TheUSshouldnotreduceitsemissions44054

Don'tknow192430 1817

n=2,146;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 Table9.1|SupportforNationalResponse:MagnitudeofAction 1 Itemwording:Onlyifotherindustrializedcountries(suchasEngland,GermanyandJapan)reducetheiremissions. 2

Itemwording:Onlyifotherindustrializedcountriesanddevelopingcountries(suchasChina,IndiaandBrazil)reducetheir

emissions.

HowbigofaneffortshouldtheUnitedStatesmaketo

reduceglobalwarming? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % ) AlargeͲscaleeffort,evenifithaslargeeconomiccosts34414337 31

AmediumͲscaleeffort,evenifmoderateeconomiccost

1

40384145 40

AsmallͲscaleeffort,evenifithassmalleconomiccosts171398 19

Noeffort99611 10

n=2,099;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 1 Itemwording:AmediumͲscaleeffort,evenifithasmoderateeconomiccosts. 43
Table9.2|SupportforNationalResponse:SpecificClimateandEnergyPolicies

Howmuchdoyousupportoropposethe

followingpolicies? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Howmuchdoyousupportoropposethe

followingpolicies? Fundmoreresearchintorenewableenergysources,suchassolarandwindpower.

Stronglysupport535439 5955

Somewhatsupport38315635 37

Somewhatoppose61334 6

Stronglyoppose22332

n=2,062;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 ProvidetaxrebatesforpeoplewhopurchaseenergyͲefficientvehiclesorsolarpanels.

Stronglysupport384031 4638

Somewhatsupport47435141 47

Somewhatoppose1114138 10

Stronglyoppose43555

n=2,073;ʖ 2 ,p=0.096 Regulatecarbondioxide(theprimarygreenhousegas)asapollutant.

Stronglysupport30402731 28

Somewhatsupport50426245 50

Somewhatoppose1311810 15

Stronglyoppose77314 7

n=2,055;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 Requireautomakerstoincreasethefuelefficiencyofcars,trucks,andSUVS,to45mpg,evenifitmeans anewvehiclewillcostupto$1,000moretobuy.

Stronglysupport413834 5342

Somewhatsupport38414132 38

Somewhatoppose1314117 13

Stronglyoppose87148 7

n=2,067;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 ExpandoffshoredrillingforoilandnaturalgasofftheU.S.coast.

Stronglysupport37352432 40

44
Table9.2continued|SupportforNationalResponse:SpecificClimateandEnergyPolicies

Howmuchdoyousupportoropposethe

followingpolicies? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Howmuchdoyousupportoropposethe

followingpolicies? Requireelectricutilitiestoproduceatleast20%oftheirelectricityfromwind,solar,orotherrenewable energysources,evenifitcosttheaveragehouseholdanextra$100ayear.

Stronglysupport31312436 31

Somewhatsupport41424432 41

Somewhatoppose17161920 17

Stronglyoppose11111312 11

n=2,058;ʖ 2 ,p<0.338 Provideagovernmentsubsidytoreplaceoldwaterheaters,airconditioners,lightbulbs,andinsulation. Thissubsidywouldcosttheaveragehousehold$5amonthinhighertaxes.Thosewhotookadvantageof theprogramwouldsavemoneyontheirutilitybills.

Stronglysupport273930 2825

Somewhatsupport45465348 43

Somewhatoppose157158 18

Stronglyoppose128316 15

n=2,068;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 bytheyear2050.

Stronglysupport24341933 23

Somewhatsupport44435643 42

Somewhatoppose1914229 20

Stronglyoppose139316 15

n=2,040;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Buildmorenuclearpowerplants.

Stronglysupport23211422 25

Somewhatsupport38273534 40

Somewhatoppose24292727 23

Stronglyoppose15232417 11

n=2,043;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 SignaninternationaltreatythatrequirestheUnitedStatestocutitsemissionsofcarbondioxide90% 45
Table9.2continued|SupportforNationalResponse:SpecificClimateandEnergyPolicies

Howmuchdoyousupportoropposethe

followingpolicies? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Howmuchdoyousupportoropposethe

followingpolicies? EstablishaspecialfundtohelpmakebuildingsmoreenergyefficientandteachAmericanshowtoreducetheir energyuse.Thiswouldadda$2.50surchargetotheaveragehousehold"smonthlyelectricbill.

Stronglysupport20301926 17

Somewhatsupport43426143 41

Somewhatoppose21191213 24

Stronglyoppose169818 18

n=2,064;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

DrillforoilintheArcticNationalWildlifeRefuge.

Stronglysupport2517621 29

Somewhatsupport32324131 31

Somewhatoppose22252922 20

Stronglyoppose22262425 20

n=2,051;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 Createanewnationalmarketthatallowscompaniestobuyandselltherighttoemitthegreenhouse companywouldthenpurchasetherighttoemitaportionofthistotalamount.Ifacompanythenemitted morethanitsportion,itwouldhavetobuymoreemissionrightsfromothercompaniesorpaylargefines.

Stronglysupport11171218 10

Somewhatsupport42534242 40

Somewhatoppose24153019 25

Stronglyoppose23151622 25

n=2,019;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 Increasetaxesongasolineby25centspergallonandreturntherevenuestotaxpayersbyreducing thefederalincometax.

Stronglysupport912814 8

Somewhatsupport24243523 22

Somewhatoppose30342924 30

Stronglyoppose37292739 39

n=2,062;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 gasessaidtocauseglobalwarming.Thefederalgovernmentwouldsetanationalcaponemissions.Each 46
Table10.0|ExpectationsofElectedOfficials,CorporationsandCitizens

Doyouthinkthefollowingshouldbedoingmore

orlesstoaddressglobalwarming? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Doyouthinkthefollowingshouldbedoingmore

orlesstoaddressglobalwarming?

Corporationsandindustry

Muchmore41413850 40

More322939 2531

CurrentlyDoingtheRightAmount17191814 17

Less57335

MuchLess65286

n=2,090;ʖ 2 ,p=0.012

Citizensthemselves

Muchmore29282838 29

More414345 3641

CurrentlyDoingtheRightAmount20172518 20

Less58145

MuchLess54145

n=2,089;ʖ 2 ,p=0.001

TheU.S.Congress

Muchmore26252637 25

More414350 3440

CurrentlyDoingtheRightAmount20191917 21

Less67296

MuchLess76348

n=2,088;ʖ 2 ,p=0.001

ThePresident

Muchmore28273137 27

More384242 3038

CurrentlyDoingtheRightAmount212020 1922

Less65210 6

MuchLess76548

n=2,089;ʖ 2 ,p=0.011 47
Table10.0continued|ExpectationsofElectedOfficials,CorporationsandCitizens N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Yourstatelegislators

Muchmore16191623 14

More474752 4446

CurrentlyDoingtheRightAmount25222619 26

Less68310 6

MuchLess64247

n=2,097;ʖ 2 ,p=0.002

YourGovernor

Muchmore16221725 14

More464354 4146

CurrentlyDoingtheRightAmount26242520 27

Less65210 6

MuchLess65347

n=2,097;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Yourlocalgovernmentofficials

Muchmore13181621 11

More454351 4245

CurrentlyDoingtheRightAmount29232527 31

Less79656

MuchLess67247

n=2,103;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 48

Table11.0|PoliticalActivism:Actions

Overthepast12months,howmanytimeshaveyou

doneeachofthefollowing? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Overthepast12months,howmanytimeshaveyou

doneeachofthefollowing? Writtenletters,email,orphonegovernmentofficialstourgethemtotakeactiontoreduceglobalwarming

Manytimes(6+)11200

Severaltimes(4Ͳ5)10441

Afewtimes(2Ͳ3)33243

Once34373

Never89888780 91

Don'tKnow24372

n=2,131;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 Attendedacommunitymeetingorrallyaboutglobalwarming

Manytimes(6+)00010

Severaltimes(4Ͳ5)12001

Afewtimes(2Ͳ3)20522

Once33223

Never929191 8893

Don'tKnow24171

n=2,125;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 Volunteeredwithordonatedmoneytoanorganizationworkingtoreduceglobalwarming

Manytimes(6+)10011

Severaltimes(4Ͳ5)11011

Afewtimes(2Ͳ3)43615

Once74119 7

Never84887881 85

Don'tKnow34572

n=2,116;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 49

Table11.1|PoliticalActivism:Intentions

Overthenext12months,wouldyouliketodoeach

ofthefollowing... N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Overthenext12months,wouldyouliketodoeach

ofthefollowing... Writeletters,email,orphonegovernmentofficialstourgethemtotakeactiontoreduceglobalwarming

Morefrequently13161611 11

Aboutthesame71606367 74

Lessfrequently17232122 15

n=2,077;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Attendacommunitymeetingorrallyaboutglobalwarming

Morefrequently15222014 12

Aboutthesame69566064 73

Lessfrequently17222023 15

n=2,080;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 Volunteerwithordonatedmoneytoanorganizationworkingtoreduceglobalwarming

Morefrequently16212314 14

Aboutthesame68586266 70

Lessfrequently16211620 15

n=2,076;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 Table11.2|PoliticalActivism:ConfidenceinOwnAbilitytoAct 1

Howconfidentareyouthatyoucandothesethings

morefrequentlyoverthenext12months? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Howconfidentareyouthatyoucandothesethings

morefrequentlyoverthenext12months? Writeletters,email,orphonegovernmentofficialstourgethemtotakeactiontoreduceglobalwarming

Completelyconfident14161413 13

Moderatelyconfident39284667 38

Littlebitconfident36513220 34

Notatallconfident11580 14

ʖ 2 ,p=0.110n=26143 3715166 1 Onlyaskedofthosewhorespondedtoanearlieritemthattheywouldliketodomoreofthiswithinthenext12months. 50
Table11.2continued|PoliticalActivism:ConfidenceinOwnAbilitytoAct

Howconfidentareyouthatyoucandothesethings

morefrequentlyoverthenext12months? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Howconfidentareyouthatyoucandothesethings

morefrequentlyoverthenext12months?

Attendacommunitymeetingorrallyaboutglobalwarming

Completelyconfident85136 7

Moderatelyconfident34344944 29

Littlebitconfident47573628 48

Notatallconfident123222 16

ʖ 2 ,p=0.008n=3015 84518180 Volunteerwithordonatedmoneytoanorganizationworkingtoreduceglobalwarming

Completelyconfident1066 1511

Moderatelyconfident33364845 27

Littlebitconfident49554240 51

Notatallconfident8440 11

ʖ 2 ,p=0.051n=33453 5220209 Table11.3|PoliticalActivism:PerceivedEffectivenessofOwnAction

Ifyouweretodoeachofthefollowing,how

effectivewoulditbeingettinggovernmentofficials totakeactiontoreduceglobalwarming? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Ifyouweretodoeachofthefollowing,how

effectivewoulditbeingettinggovernmentofficials totakeactiontoreduceglobalwarming? Writeletters,email,orphonegovernmentofficialstourgethemtotakeactiontoreduceglobalwarming

Highlyeffective24511

Prettyeffective13211518 10

Alittleeffect42283440 45

Noeffect28312125 29

Don'tknow16162416 14

ʖ 2 ,p<0.001n=2,099

Attendacommunitymeetingorrallyaboutglobalwarming

Highlyeffective22621

Prettyeffective12221719 9

Alittleeffect38293630 41

Noeffect33312133 35

Don'tknow15162016 14

ʖ 2 ,p<0.001n=2,094 51
Table11.3continued|PoliticalActivism:PerceivedEffectivenessofOwnAction

Ifyouweretodoeachofthefollowing,how

effectivewoulditbeingettinggovernmentofficials totakeactiontoreduceglobalwarming? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Ifyouweretodoeachofthefollowing,how

effectivewoulditbeingettinggovernmentofficials totakeactiontoreduceglobalwarming? Volunteerwithordonatedmoneytoanorganizationworkingtoreduceglobalwarming

Highlyeffective48673

Prettyeffective17202120 16

Alittleeffect37253330 40

Noeffect26312128 26

Don'tknow15161814 15

n=2,086;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

Table12.0|ConsumerActivism:Actions

Overthepast12months,howmanytimeshaveyou

donethesethings? N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Overthepast12months,howmanytimeshaveyou

donethesethings? Rewardedcompaniesthataretakingstepstoreduceglobalwarmingbybuyingtheirproducts

Manytimes(6+)56286

Severaltimes(4Ͳ5)1191112 11

Afewtimes(2Ͳ3)22181734 22

Once49153

Never58576941 58

n=1,712;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 PunishedcompaniesthatareopposingstepstoreduceglobalwarmingbyNOTbuyingtheirproducts

Manytimes(6+)75711 7

Severaltimes(4Ͳ5)79713 7

Afewtimes(2Ͳ3)1419714 14

Once33144

Never69657959 69

n=1,672;ʖ 2 ,p=0.001 52

Table12.1|ConsumerActivism:Intentions

Overthenext12months...

N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

Overthenext12months...

...wouldyouliketopunishcompaniesthatareopposingstepstoreduceglobalwarmingbyNOTbuyingtheirproducts...

Morefrequentlythanyouarenow40473545 39

Aboutthesameasyouarenow53495651 54

Lessfrequentlythanyouarenow75957

n=2,108;ʖ 2 ,p=0.063 ...doyouintendtobuytheproductsofcompaniesthataretakingstepstoreduceglobalwarming...

Morefrequentlythanyouarenow40444641 38

Aboutthesameasyouarenow56494557 59

Lessfrequentlythanyouarenow47913

n=2,102;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001 53

Table13.0|EnergyEfficiencyActionsandIntentions

ThenextquestionsaskaboutwhatenergyͲrelated

actionsyouwouldliketodo.Whichofthefollowing bestdescribeswhatyouarelikelytodooverthenext12 months? 1 N atio n al av er a g e H ispa n ic s (13%) B la c ks (11 % ) O the r race/e t hn ic ity (6 % ) W hi t es (69 % )

ThenextquestionsaskaboutwhatenergyͲrelated

actionsyouwouldliketodo.Whichofthefollowing bestdescribeswhatyouarelikelytodooverthenext12 months? 1

Installnewinsulationinyourattic

Alreadyhavedonethis55354047 62

Wouldliketodothisandprobablywill51271 4

Wouldliketodothisbutprobablywon't98815 9

Nointentiontodothis33432

Notapplicable28424233 23

CaulkandweatherͲstripyourhometoreducedrafts

Alreadyhavedonethis64445554 70

Wouldliketodothisandprobablywill13212315 9

Wouldliketodothisbutprobablywon't119610 12

Nointentiontodothis48463

Notapplicable8171315 5

n=1,957;ʖ 2 ,p<0.001

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