Resource Type: Polling & Surveys

What people say they would be willing to do differs from what they actually do. This nationally representative survey sheds light on what Americans think about domestic climate change policy, international policy, and more general attitudes about climate change. Key findings include that most Americans report doing low opportunity cost or easy climate friendly actions in their homes – like buying energy-efficient kitchen appliances (52%), setting thermostats to energy-efficient temperatures (62%), and using energy-efficient lightbulbs (89%). Significantly fewer people, however, report doing more difficult tasks like reducing food waste, composting, or buying products from climate-friendly companies. Unsurprisingly, even fewer people contact government officials, volunteer, or donate money, despite many reporting that they would be willing to do these things. Advocates interested in encouraging climate-friendly behaviors and actions should consider trying to reduce barriers or provide easy work arounds to folks.