Americans are feeling increasingly negative about the state of the environment. A recent Gallup poll reveals that only 35% of adults view environmental quality positively, marking a record low. Two-thirds of those surveyed believe things are getting worse.
The survey highlights that 63% of people feel the government is not doing enough to protect the environment, an increase of 6% from last year. This is the highest figure since Gallup began tracking this sentiment in 1992. Many believe that environmental protection should take precedence over economic growth and energy development, with about 58% and 57% respectively expressing these views.
Interestingly, 27% think the government is doing just enough, while 7% feel it’s doing too much. Partisan divisions are evident, with Democrats generally more critical of government efforts. Only 16% of Democrats rated the environment positively, another low, while Republican views remained relatively stable at 63%.
The poll shows a significant decrease in positive ratings compared to the past. Just 6% of Americans rated the environment as “excellent,” and 29% chose “good.” This contrasts sharply with a combined high of 50% in 2015. Currently, 43% see it as “fair,” and 20% as “poor.”
Concerns vary widely among party lines. Democrats exhibit strong worries across various environmental issues, while Republicans are less concerned. For instance, while over half of Democrats express strong worry about water pollution, only 38% of Republicans share that concern.
Key environmental issues worrying Americans include:
- Pollution of drinking water: 55% are very concerned.
- Pollution of lakes, rivers, and reservoirs: 50% share high concern.
- Climate change: 44% worry significantly.
- Loss of tropical rainforests: 41% are deeply affected.
- Air pollution: 40% express strong worry.
- Extinction of plant and animal species: 37% are very concerned.
Overall, a majority of respondents indicate at least some worry about these problems, but a stark divide remains between parties. While most Democrats are very concerned, Republican concern ranges significantly.
In a broader context, environmental issues have been on the public’s radar for decades. The U.S. has seen various environmental movements and regulations since the 1970s, but recent trends show a growing anxiety that perhaps these efforts haven’t been enough.
This poll was conducted with 1,000 adults between March 2-18 and comes with a 4% margin of error. For more details, you can view the full poll results here.
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