Generational and political gaps exist in the U.S. concerning personal energy use and its connection to living conditions in other countries, according to a new survey.
According to EnviroMedia Social Marketing, 43% of Americans disagree with the statement, “My personal energy use affects the health and living conditions of people in poor, developing countries,” while 49% agree.
The survey found that nearly three out of five Republicans (58%) disagree with the statement while slightly more than one out of three (37%) express responsibility for effects of personal energy use. This contrasts sharply with Democrats’ views, where 28% disagree with the statement and almost two out of three (64%) acknowledge responsibility.
With Republicans now controlling the U.S. House of Representatives, the midterm elections could affect how much the U.S. is willing to aid in worldwide climate adaptation.
On the positive side, the new research shows 60% of 18- to 34-year-olds believe their personal energy use affects others globally.
“For a global climate treaty to become a reality, we must address which polluters pay to fix the problem,” said Kevin Tuerff, co-founder and president of EnviroMedia. “We won’t get very far funding climate mitigation and adaptation until the average consumer in the biggest polluting countries understands that his or her energy habits at home and work have a global impact.”
Opinion Research Corporation surveyed 1,022 people November 5-8, 2010, by telephone with a +/- 3.2 percent margin of error. Results were released yesterday at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP16) in Cancún.
In Cancun News…
Despite a Republican surge in midterm elections, the U.S. will keep President Obama’s pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions, Washington’s lead negotiator said at the U.N. climate talks. Although we may have to rely on shale gas to do it.
Read Reuters coverage at the link below.
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