Climate, Energy & Environment

Nearly all Democrats (92%) support a U.S. role in international efforts to reduce climate change impacts, as do 53% of Republicans.

Majorities of Americans say the United States should prioritize the development of renewable energy sources and take steps toward the country becoming carbon neutral by the year 2050. But just 31% want to phase out fossil fuels completely, and many foresee unexpected problems in a major transition to renewable energy.

As 2021 draws to a close, here are some of Pew Research Center’s most striking research findings from the past year.

Recent surveys have documented how people around the world view the issue of climate change and international responses.

46% of U.S. adults say the area where they live has had an extreme weather event over the past 12 months.

Latinos broadly support an array of policy measures to address climate change and other environmental issues.

Powerful storms, wildfires, heat waves and other extreme climate-related events are projected to become more common and affect more people.

A median of 67% in 17 publics express a favorable opinion of the UN, compared with a median of 29% who have an unfavorable opinion.

There is minimal praise from other societies for how the United States and China are handling climate change.

Citizens offer mixed reviews of how their societies have responded to climate change, and many question the efficacy of international efforts to stave off a global environmental crisis.