public opinion landscape - energy and the environment
Post on 09-May-2015
727 Views
Preview:
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
Public Opinion Landscape: Energy and the Environment
April 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
1. Current Landscape………………………….……………………….………….2 2. Energy Policy & Poli:cal Percep:ons…………………………….......12 3. Energy Sources.……………………………………………………………….....22
Slide
Current Landscape
AMERICAN VIEWS ON QUALITY OF ENVIRONMENT REMAIN CONSISTENT OVER PAST 5 YEARS
3
36% 40%
33% 34% 29%
25% 25% 26%
41% 41% 42% 42% 41% 42%
57% 54%
57% 58% 63%
67% 67% 68%
51% 48% 48% 49% 49% 50%
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Right now, do you think the quality of the environment in the country as a whole is geNng bePer or geNng worse?
Ge(ng worse Ge(ng be0er
Source: Gallup Poll, March 6-‐9, 2014 Note: “Same” and “no opinion” results not shown
MOST AMERICANS WOULD RATE THE QUALITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AS EXCELLENT OR GOOD
4
46% 47%
41% 43% 41% 40% 40% 40% 39%
46% 45% 44% 48%
44%
6% 7% 10% 11% 10% 11% 11% 11%
16%
9% 11% 10% 8% 11%
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Excellent/Good Poor
How would you rate the overall quality of the environment in this country today – as excellent, good, only fair, or poor?
Note: “Fair” results not shown
Source: Gallup Poll, March 6-‐9, 2014
A MAJORITY OF AMERICANS CONTINUE TO SAY THEY WORRY A GREAT DEAL OR A FAIR AMOUNT ABOUT GLOBAL WARMING
5
58% 51%
62% 65% 66% 60%
52% 51% 55% 58% 56%
40% 47%
36% 34% 33% 39%
48% 48% 45% 43% 43%
2003 2004 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
I’m going to read you a list of environmental problems. As I read each one, please tell me if you personally worry about this problem a great deal, a fair amount, only a liPle, or not at all. First, how much do you worry about [global warming]?
Source: Gallup Poll, March 6-‐9, 2014
Worry a great deal/a fair amount Only a li0le/not at all
MOST AMERICANS SAY THERE IS EVIDENCE OF TEMPERATURE CHANGE OVER PAST DECADES
6 Note: “DK/ref” results not shown
From what you’ve read and heard, is there solid evidence that the average temperature on earth has been geNng warmer over the past decades, or not? [If yes, why?]
Source: Pew Research Center, October 9-‐13, 2013
Sep/Oct 2009
Oct 2010
Feb/Mar 2011
Nov 2011
Oct 2012
Mar 2013
Oct 2013
Yes 57% 59% 58% 63% 67% 69% 67%
Mostly because of human ac:vity such as burning fossil fuels
36% 34% 36% 38% 42% 42% 44%
Mostly because of natural paPerns in the earth's environment
16% 18% 18% 18% 19% 23% 18%
No 33% 32% 34% 28% 26% 27% 26%
7
Human ac:vity 46%
Natural paPerns 34%
Global warming does not exist 14%
Caused by both 3%
Not sure what it's caused by
2% DK/ref 2%
Which statement comes closest to your view about global warming? 1. Global warming is caused mostly by human ac:vity such as burning fossil fuels. 2. Global warming is caused mostly by natural paPerns in the earth's environment. 3. Global warming does not exist.
Source: CBS News Poll, February 19-‐23, 2014
LESS THAN HALF OF AMERICANS BELIEVE GLOBAL WARMING IS CAUSED BY HUMAN ACTIVITY; 14% DISMISS EXISTENCE
YET AMERICANS ARE MORE LIKELY TO SAY THE SERIOUSNESS OF GLOBAL WARMING IS EXAGGERATED
8
31%
33%
38%
31% 30% 33%
35%
41%
48%
43% 42% 41% 42%
32%
29%
25%
29% 28% 29%
33% 29%
24% 26%
24% 24% 23%
32% 33% 33%
35% 38%
35%
29% 28% 25%
29% 31%
33% 33%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Source: Gallup Poll, March 6-‐9, 2014
Thinking about what is said in the news, in your view is the seriousness of global warming – [generally exaggerated, generally correct, or is it generally underes:mated]?
Note: “DK/ref” results not shown
Exaggerated UnderesUmated Correct
AND A LARGE MAJORITY DOUBT GLOBAL WARMING WILL SERIOUSLY IMPACT THEIR WAY OF LIFE
9
65% 62% 58% 60%
67% 61% 64% 64%
33% 35% 40% 38%
32% 38%
34% 36%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
2002 2006 2008 2009 2010 2012 2013 2014
Note: “No opinion” results not shown
Do you think that global warming will pose a serious threat to you or your way of life in your life:me?
Source: Gallup Poll, March 6-‐9, 2014
No Yes
EVEN WHEN FRAMED AS A SCIENTIFIC STATEMENT, AMERICANS STILL UNDECIDED ABOUT GLOBAL WARMING
10
On the next few screens, you’ll see a series of statements about science and medicine. For each of them, please indicate how confident you are that the statement is correct. [The average temperature of the world is rising, mostly because of man-‐made heat-‐trapping greenhouse gasses]
Source: AP-‐GfK Poll, March 20-‐24, 2014
33%
28%
37%
Extremely/Very confident Somewhat confident Not too/Not at all confident
HOWEVER, MOST BELIEVE GLOBAL WARMING HAS ALREADY BEGUN, WITH EXCEPTION OF REPUBLICANS
11
WHEN EFFECTS WILL OCCUR All Democrats Independents Republicans
Already begun 54% 73% 51% 36%
Will begin within a few years 3% 4% 2% 2%
Will begin within life:me 8% 6% 10% 4%
Will affect future genera:ons 16% 13% 14% 22%
Will never happen 18% 3% 19% 34%
Which of the following statements reflects your view of when the effects of global warming will begin to happen?
SERIOUS THREAT TO WAY OF LIFE All Democrats Independents Republicans
Yes 36% 56% 32% 19%
No 65% 44% 67% 81%
Source: Gallup Poll, March 6-‐9, 2014
12
Energy Policy & Political Perceptions
33% 36%
42% 44%
36% 37% 37% 42%
51% 53%
43%
54% 49% 48%
41%
57% 54%
47% 49% 53% 52%
55% 49%
42% 38%
50%
36% 41% 43%
50%
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Environment Economic Growth
AMERICANS NOW PRIORITIZE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OVER ECONOMIC GROWTH
13 Note: “Equal priority” and “No opinion” results not shown.
Which one of these statements about the environment and the economy do you most agree – [ROTATED: protec:on of the environment should be given priority, even at the risk of curbing economic growth (or) economic growth should be given priority, even if the environment suffers to some extent]?
Source: Gallup Poll, March 6-‐9, 2014
March May
BP oil spill occurred April 2010
DEMOCRATS & REPUBLICANS FAR APART ON ENVIRONMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH PRIORITIES
14
Source: Gallup Poll, March 6-‐9, 2014
59% 64% 70% 61%
74% 66% 68%
59%
34% 31% 22% 27%
19% 27% 27% 32%
2008 2009 2010 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Republicans’ Views of Priori:zing the Environment vs. Economic Growth
Democrats’ Views of Priori:zing the Environment vs. Economic Growth
Environment
Economic Growth
33% 44% 41% 34%
42% 42% 35% 27%
59% 50% 49%
61% 46% 50% 55%
66%
2008 2009 2010 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Environment
Economic Growth
Note: Equal priority and No opinion results not shown.
36% 40% 40%
44% 39% 42%
34% 41%
46%
50%
39%
50% 47% 46%
40%
52% 52% 49% 48% 52% 49%
58%
50% 47%
43%
55%
41% 44% 45%
51%
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
AMERICANS NOW ALSO SAY ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SHOULD BE GIVEN PRIORITY OVER ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
15
Source: Gallup Poll, March 6-‐9, 2014
With which one of these statements about the environment and energy producUon do you most agree – [ROTATED: protec:on of the environment should be given priority, even at the risk of limi:ng the amount of energy supplies – such as oil, gas, and coal – which the United States produces (or) development of U.S. energy supplies – such as oil, gas, and coal – should be given priority, even if the environment suffers to some extent]?
Note: Equal priority and No opinion results not shown.
Environmental protecUon Energy development
AMERICANS STILL FAVOR ENERGY CONSERVATION OVER OIL, GAS, AND COAL PRODUCTION
16
33% 30% 29% 31%
28%
35%
26% 29%
36% 41% 40%
36% 34%
56% 60% 60% 59% 61%
55%
64% 61%
52% 48%
51% 51% 57%
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
More energy conservaUon More energy producUon
Which of the following approaches to solving the na:on’s energy problem do you think the U.S. should follow right now – emphasize produc:on of more oil, gas, and coal supplies or emphasize more conserva:on by consumers of exis:ng energy supplies?
Source: Gallup Poll, March 6-‐9, 2014 Note: No opinion results not shown.
17 DChart Title
Source: Pew Research Center, Jan 15-‐19, 2014
15%
2%
3%
20%
10%
7%
31%
41%
40%
29%
45%
49%
Dealing with global warming
Dealing with the na:on's energy problem
Protec:ng the environment
Top priority
Important but lower priority
Not too important
Should not be done
Note: “DK/ref” results not shown
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT HIGHER PRIORITY THAN DEALING WITH GLOBAL WARMING
I’d like to ask you about priori:es for President Obama and Congress this year. As I read from a list, tell me if you think each should be a top priority, important but lower priority, not too important or it should not be done.
NEARLY HALF THINK THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING TOO LITTLE TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
7% 5% 5% 4%
15% 16% 17% 16% 17%
51% 55%
58% 62%
46% 49% 51% 47% 48%
37% 37% 34% 33% 35% 33%
30% 35% 34%
2003 2004 2005 2006 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Too li0le About the right amount Too much
18
Do you think the U.S. government is doing too much, too liPle, or about the right amount in terms of protec:ng the environment?
Note: “No opinion” results not shown
Source: Gallup Poll, March 6-‐9, 2014
AMERICANS CONTINUE TO SEE OBAMA BETTER ON PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT THAN IMPROVING ENERGY POLICY
19
79%
52% 55% 56% 55% 51%
72%
43% 41% 43% 46% 42%
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Do you think Barak Obama is doing a good job or a poor job in handling each of the following issues as president? [% good job}
ProtecUng the naUon’s environment Improving the naUon’s energy policy
Source: Gallup Poll, March 6-‐9, 2014 Note: No opinion results not shown.
MORE AMERICANS THINK DEMOCRATS HAVE BETTER APPROACH TO ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
30%
15%
7%
16%
28%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
Democrats Republicans Independents None Don't know
In your opinion, which poli:cal party has a bePer plan, policy or approach to the environment?
Source: Ipsos/ Reuters, March 9-‐18, 2014 Note: “Other” results not shown 20
AMERICANS FAVOR GREEN ENERGY PROPOSALS
Favor Oppose
Spending more government money on developing solar and wind power 67% 32%
Spending government money to develop alternate sources of fuel for automobiles 66% 33%
SeNng higher emission and pollu:on standards for business and industry 65% 35%
More strongly enforcing federal environmental regula:ons 64% 34%
Imposing mandatory controls on carbon dioxide emissions/other greenhouse gasses
63% 35%
SeNng higher auto emissions standards for automobiles 62% 35%
Opening up land owned by the federal government for oil explora:on 58% 41%
SeNng stricter standards on the use of techniques to extract natural gas from the earth, including “fracking”
58% 37%
Expanding the use of nuclear energy 47% 51%
21
I am going to read some specific proposals. For each one, please say whether you generally favor or oppose it. How about…
Source: Gallup Poll, March 6-‐9, 2014
Energy Sources
SOLAR, WIND, AND GAS ARE MOST COMMONLY SEEN AS HAVING BENEFITS WHICH OUTWEIGH THEIR RISKS
23
Benefits outweigh risks Risks outweigh benefits Not at all sure
Solar 78% 7% 15%
Wind 76% 9% 15%
Natural gas 68% 15% 17%
Geothermal 52% 8% 40%
Coal 41% 40% 19%
Nuclear 37% 40% 22%
Biomass 29% 9% 61%
There are many sources of electric power used in the U.S. To the best of your knowledge, would you say the benefits of each source outweigh the risks or do you believe the risks outweigh the benefits?
Source: The Harris Poll, February 12-‐17, 2014
A MAJORITY OF AMERICANS FAVORS KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE
24
Do you favor or oppose building the Keystone XL pipeline that would transport oil from Canada’s oil sands region through the Midwest to refineries in Texas?
Source: Pew Research Center, February 27 -‐ March 16, 2014
Approve 61%
Disapprove 27%
DK/Ref (vol.) 12%
AMERICANS SEE MORE JOB CREATION DUE TO PIPELINE VERSUS ENVIRONMENTAL RISK
25
85%
47%
10%
44%
Create a significant number of jobs Pose a significant risk to the environment
Would Would not
Do you think this pipeline would or would not [create a significant number of jobs/pose a significant risk to the environment]?
Source: ABC News/Washington Post Poll, February 27 – March 2, 2014
KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE DIVIDES DEMOCRATS
38%
9%
29%
49%
84%
61%
Democrat Republican Independent
Oppose Favor
26
Do you favor or oppose building the Keystone XL pipeline that would transport oil from Canada’s oil sands region through the Midwest to refineries in Texas?
Source: Pew Research Center, February 27 -‐ March 16, 2014
Oppose, 47%
Favor, 39%
Oppose, 34%
Favor, 53%
Non-‐college grad Dem
College grad + Dem
A MAJORITY OF AMERICANS FAVOR KEEPING OIL IN AMERICA; SPECIFICALLY, TO LOWER GAS PRICES
27
We should sell it to other countries to bolster the US economy 13%
We should keep it for American Consumers to lower US gas prices 77%
Don’t know 11%
We should sell it to other countries to bolster the US economy 16%
We should keep it for American consumers so that the US never has to rely on foreign oil sources
72%
Don’t know 12%
We should sell it to other countries to bolster the US economy 21%
We should keep the oil we are producing and build more refineries to produce more gasoline
62%
Don’t know 17%
The US Department of Energy has stated that by the year 2020, the US will be the world’s larges oil producer. What do you think that the United States should do with all the oil we are now producing?
Source: Ipsos/Reuters Poll March 15-‐19, 2015
MOST SUPPORT GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS ON GASOLINE EXPORTS TO PROTECT U.S. GAS PRICES
28
76%
57%
18%
39%
11%
24%
71%
39%
13%
19%
12%
22%
The US government should restrict gasoline exports to protect gas prices here in America
The US government should restrict gasoline exports
US oil producers should be allowed to export crude oil produced in the United States
overseas to other countries even if it means that gas prices in the US go up
US oil producers should be allowed to export crude oil produced in the United States
overseas to other countries
Agree Disagree Don't know
At the moment, crude oil exports are limited so that American companies are only allowed to export crude oil to Canada, and no other countries. Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with each of the following statements.
Source: Ipsos/Reuters Poll March 15-‐19, 2014
29
GPG Research
GPG has a full-‐scale internal research team offering the full complement of qualita:ve and quan:ta:ve public opinion research services. We use research to inform message development and communica:on strategy, as well as to help clients assess and monitor cri:cal issues and track the effec:veness of strategic communica:on campaigns.
GPG has a deep experience conduc:ng research about complex economic and poli:cal topics with diverse audiences. We go beyond the standard Q&A, using innova:ve, projec:ve techniques to uncover key insights. The result is ac:onable research that helps shape our clients’ messaging and strategy.
For more informaUon about this presentaUon or to find out more about GPG’s research capabiliUes contact:
Jason Boxt (jboxt@gpgdc.com)
top related