Americans’ top environmental concern is the health of the water supply, both drinking water sources and open bodies of water, according to Gallup. More than three quarters of adults say they worry a fair amount or a great deal about toxic waste contaminating soil and water; pollution of lakes, rivers, and reservoirs; and pollution of drinking water.
Despite being a more prominent topic in the headlines, global warming is lowest on Americans’ list of environmental concerns, and fewer worry about it now than did in 2001.
Interestingly, Americans’ level of concern about all environmental issues has declined since 2001, which likely reflects other issues — such as the Iraq War and the recession — taking precedence in their minds.
Natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, earthquakes, and the Gulf oil spill have underscored the importance of clean water, as well. More than half of adults (51%) worry a great deal about pollution of their drinking water.
More than half (54%) of Americans believe that economic growth should take precedence over protecting the environment, while 36% are more concerned about the environment than the economy.
Young adults ages 18-29 (51%) are more likely than overall adults to place the health of the environment before economic growth. [Environment, Opinion]
Source: Gallup poll, March 2011, Lydia Saad, 901 F St., NW, Washington, DC 20004; 202-715-3030; lydia_saad@gallup.com; www.gallup.com
© Copyright 2011, EPM Communications, Inc. May not be reproduced without written consent of publisher.