Partisanship Splits Americans' Views on the Environment

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A nationally representative survey by YouGov/Polimetrix for the Economist recorded Americans’ opinions and concerns about the environment. While results revealed a fair consensus on the importance of environmental issues, views regarding policy specifics were characterized by partisan differences.

Global warming was unambiguously the main environmental concern among respondents.

What do you think is the most important environmental problem facing the world today?

There was a clear partisan divide in opinions regarding the prospective tradeoff between economic growth and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Republicans were generally less likely than Democrats to accept a sacrifice of national economic progress for environmental improvement.

Do you agree or disagree that America should grow less quickly to reduce emissions, even if it slows economic progress?

The partisan split was again clear in the perceived seriousness of global warming.

How serious a problem do you think global warming is?

Unsurprisingly, respondents were concerned about rising gas prices and opposed increasing gas taxes to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Please tell us whether your agree or disagree with the following statement: I worry that the cost of gasoline will continue to rise.

Do you favor or oppose increasing gas taxes to curb emissions?

The majority of Democrats and Independents strongly disapproved of the way President Bush has handled environmental issues, while Republicans predictably dissented.

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