Key takeaways from the survey
- Nearly seven in ten support including climate-related policies in Biden’s infrastructure bill.
- Majorities of Americans – particularly people of color – would be disappointed if policies to combat climate change are not included in the “American Jobs Plan.”
- More than half say clean energy jobs will be available to them and their communities if these proposals pass.
Over Three-Quarters of Americans View Climate as a Serious Problem Both Now and for Future Generations
Democrats (74%), as well as Black (57%), Hispanic (58%), and Asian Americans (55%) are most likely to say climate change will be ”a very serious problem” for their children and future generations of their family.
Majority of Americans Have Become More Supportive of Transitioning to Clean Sources of Energy
Seven in ten independents (70%) and nearly half of Republicans (45%) say they have become more supportive of transitioning to cleaner sources of energy over the last few years.
Strong Majorities Support Clean Energy Investments in the “American Jobs Plan”
The vast majority of independents (76%), Black Americans (90%), Hispanic Americans (74%), and Asian Americans (77%) support including climate-related initiatives in the “American Jobs Plan.”
Americans Strongly Support Including Variety of Climate Proposals in “American Jobs Plan”
Independents are at least a net +40 support toward each provision aimed at addressing climate change in the “American Jobs Plan.”
Majorities Would Be Disappointed If Range of Climate Proposals Were Not Included in “American Jobs Plan”
Democrats and People of Color Will Be Especially Disappointed If Climate Policies Aren’t Included in “American Jobs Plan”
Americans Believe Clean Energy Jobs Will Be Available to Them and to People in Their Community
More than half (58%) of independents say climate-related jobs in clean energy will be available to people like them, and 65% say the same of people in their community.
A Progressive Argument Including Traditional Infrastructure Plus “Investing in Clean Energy” Increases Effectiveness
Both progressive arguments to include climate easily beat a conservative argument to focus on “traditional” infrastructure, but the progressive side is stronger with an explicit mention of “clean energy.”
Outside of Pandemic, Addressing Climate Change is a Top Priority for Democrats
One in three (32%) Democrats say climate change is a top issue for Biden and Congress to focus on, in line with health care (33%) and jobs and the economy (38%). However, only 19% of Democrats say they are actually focused on it.
Biden and Democrats More Trusted on the Environment, Climate Change, and Creating Renewable Energy Jobs
Independents, as well as Black, Hispanic, and Asian Americans, are especially likely to say they trust Biden and the Democratic Party more to protect the environment, address climate change, and create renewable energy jobs.
About The Study
This release features findings from a national online survey conducted in collaboration with Climate Power of 1,204 registered voters conducted May 20-24, 2021. Additional interviews were conducted among 149 Hispanic voters, 100 African American voters, 100 independents without a partisan lean, and 194 Asian American and Pacific Islander voters.