This post includes climate and environment headlines, data points, and key takeaways from recent public polls - including new polling on extreme weather, environmental justice, water quality, offshore wind, and proposed measures to protect workers from extreme heat.

See this webpage for links to all the following resources.

HEADLINES

Navigator – Most voters say that weather in their community this summer has been different from past years, primarily because of hotter temperatures; more than in previous years, voters experiencing unusual summer weather attribute it to climate change [Release, Deck]

American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) – Most Americans agree that “environmental injustice” is a problem in the U.S.; Americans are relatively more likely to recognize disparities by income than by race, and few know of government efforts related to environmental justice [Article, Crosstabs]

Data for Progress – Voters overwhelmingly support proposed new OSHA rules to protect workers from extreme heat [Article, Crosstabs]

American Water Works Association (AWWA) – Americans’ ratings of their tap water quality have been declining in recent years, and Black and Hispanic Americans in particular have concerns about water quality and safety; scientists and water utilities are the most trusted communicators about tap water issues [Release, Deck]

[CT, MA, RI] Barr Foundation – Voters in Southern New England widely agree that their states should work together to expand offshore wind in the region; lower energy prices are a critical benefit to highlight [Release, Deck]

GOOD DATA POINTS TO HIGHLIGHT

• [Climate Change] 73% of voters rate climate change as a serious problem for their children and future generations of their family, including 48% who rate it as “very serious” [Navigator]
   
• [Climate Change] 69% of voters rate climate change as a serious problem for Americans today, including 40% who rate it as “very serious” [Navigator]
   
• [Climate Change + Extreme Weather] 73% of voters who report unusual summer weather in their area this year say that climate change is to blame [Navigator]
   
• [Environmental Justice] 70% of Americans support the goals of environmental justice after reading a brief explanation of the concept [AAMC]
   
• [Environmental Justice] 62% of Americans recognize that environmental injustice is a problem in the United States [AAMC]
   
• [Extreme Heat] 90% of voters support proposed new rules by OSHA to protect workers from extreme heat [Data for Progress]
   
• [Issue Priority] More Americans name climate change and the environment as the single “most important issue” to them than any other issue besides inflation/prices and immigration [The Economist + YouGov]