Most Americans agree on the importance of protecting the environment — regardless of their party affiliation, according to the latest Sacred Heart University poll.
More than 4 out of 5 Republicans — and 95% of Democrats — say environmental sustainability is important. And there was a comparable breakdown by class. Ninety-three percent of people making over $100,000 a year said so — so did 83% of those earning less than $20,000 a year.
More than a third of people said social equity for underrepresented racial populations was the most important aspect of social justice, with Democrats more likely to say so than Republicans. Republicans found economic well-being more important than Democrats did.
"“The environmental sustainability and social justice issues queried in this survey proved valuable, relevant and high on the radar for many of these nationwide participants, who comprise a diverse mix based on age, gender, income and political affiliation,” said Steven Michels, director of the university’s Institute for Public Policy & Civic Engagement.
The poll, in partnership with GreatBlue Research, surveyed 1,500 participants nationwide in November.
“While there clearly were differences based on political alignment, everyone seems to agree on the need to focus on environmental challenges, particularly clean drinking water and renewable resources, and to address social inequities linked to race, ethnicity and gender," Michels said.
