In a recent poll by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), 75% of Californians - a record-high majority - support immediate action by state and federal governments to counteract global warming and start preparing for climate impact.
Results also showed that a majority of California residents (63%) already believe that the impacts of global warming are being felt, and 3-in-4 residents believe that climate change is a serious threat to the economy and quality of life. Interestingly enough, there is a large gap between believing that global warming is an economic threat and job creation. Only 45% of respondents agreed when asked if reducing global warming in California would create more jobs.
Results also showed that a majority of California residents (63%) already believe that the impacts of global warming are being felt, and 3-in-4 residents believe that climate change is a serious threat to the economy and quality of life. Interestingly enough, there is a large gap between believing that global warming is an economic threat and job creation. Only 45% of respondents agreed when asked if reducing global warming in California would create more jobs.
Even with the negative outlook on job creation, Californians continue to support aggressive state climate actions, with 67% of respondents supporting AB 32. There is also overall support for the federal government to take more action, with 79% favoring increased “federal funding to develop wind, solar, and hydrogen technology.”
(Credit: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2013) Among possible impacts from climate change, Californians were most concerned (57%) about increased severity of wildfires, while 49% were very concerned that droughts would be more severe.
Though 76% of Californians responded favorably to reducing greenhouse gases by “encouraging local governments to change land use and transportation planning so that people could drive less, 67% of respondents say they drive alone to work. However, just over half (51%) said that they have seriously considered getting a hybrid or electric vehicle.
As Californians continue to lead on climate action, there is still work to be done within the state on addressing major concerns, especially related to the economy and transportation. However, there doesn't seem to be a decrease in state regulations, and there is no lack of support for California to continue moving forward.
Though 76% of Californians responded favorably to reducing greenhouse gases by “encouraging local governments to change land use and transportation planning so that people could drive less, 67% of respondents say they drive alone to work. However, just over half (51%) said that they have seriously considered getting a hybrid or electric vehicle.
As Californians continue to lead on climate action, there is still work to be done within the state on addressing major concerns, especially related to the economy and transportation. However, there doesn't seem to be a decrease in state regulations, and there is no lack of support for California to continue moving forward.
Written by BC3 Fellow Madeleine Steger.
