Changing Climate Concerns

NPG
August 23, 2023
NPG Commentary
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How Beliefs, Attitudes, and Preferences Influence Environmental Policies

In July, the journal Population and Environment published a paper that studied the influence of population aging on global climate policy. Before this study, the authors note: “Research linking aging with climate change has, to date, been focused mainly on the fact that, among the different demographic groups, it is the elderly that are most at risk from the effects of climate change.” After analyzing data from surveys completed in recent years and observing a 14% decrease in concern for global warming as people age, the authors concluded that the people (ages 18-34) who “are more concerned about climate change and global warming may change their beliefs, attitudes, and preferences, as they age.” This distinction is notable because we use our beliefs, attitudes, and preferences to vote on policies. This is to say, someone under 34 years old, who is currently in favor of environmental conservation, might care less as they age, thus affecting the individual’s voting habits regarding environmental policies.

In August, Pew Research Center published an article with eight charts illustrating Americans’ views on climate change. The authors shared many interesting facts, among them:

Two-thirds of U.S. adults say the country should prioritize developing renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, over expanding the production of oil, coal, and natural gas.
When it comes to their own efforts, about half of Americans (51%) think they are doing about the right amount as an individual to help reduce the effects of climate change.
Younger Republicans and those who describe their views as moderate or liberal are much more likely than older and more conservative Republicans to describe climate change as at least a somewhat serious problem and to say human activity plays a role.

Also in August, young environmental activists in Montana won their case against state agencies that violated their right to a clean and healthful environment by allowing fossil fuel development. Per the Associated Press: “Attorneys for the 16 plaintiffs, ranging in age from 5 to 22, presented evidence during the two-week trial that increasing carbon dioxide emissions are driving hotter temperatures, more drought and wildfires, and decreased snowpack. The plaintiffs said those changes were harming their mental and physical health, with wildfire smoke choking the air they breathe and drought drying out rivers that sustain agriculture, fish, wildlife, and recreation. Native Americans testifying for the plaintiffs said climate change affects their ceremonies and traditional food sources.” While this victory is at the state level, it does open a pathway for others by setting precedence.

As these examples illustrate, varying beliefs about climate change and how it affects us as individuals are evident in the public discourse, legal proceedings, and policy decisions. More importantly, we must recognize that our individual opinions can shape tomorrow’s political and economic landscapes – both of which will be significantly different from today’s if we do not take action to address climate change. We need to be mindful of our personal beliefs and how they can shape the future of our planet, particularly when voting on environmental policies. Only through collective effort can we progress toward a cleaner, healthier world for all.

Has your opinion on environmental policies changed over the years?

Can you imagine a sustainable future for the nation without conservation efforts?

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