American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
2004
AAAS conducted a U.S. survey of 2,400 adults in November 2003 to gain an understanding of their attitudes and opinions on marine issues. This report analyzes the participants responses to the ten questions asked in regards to their age, gender, region, education, and marital status. Major findings include the idea that most adults believe that human activity is endangering the Earth`s oceans, yet less than one-third feel empowered to influence positive change.
This PowerPoint presentation summarizes some of the major findings and implications from The Ocean Project's 2008 national survey. The findings and implications are meant to help aquariums, zoos, museums, and others more effectively advance ocean conservation.
The Ocean Project completed a major survey in late 2008 on public awareness, attitudes, and behaviors concerning the ocean, climate change, and related issues. With funding from NOAA and in collaboration with the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the National Aquarium in Baltimore, The Ocean Project survey produced a massive amount of data gathered from more than 22,000 respondents in the United States. This report distills the survey findings and implications into a two-page summary to help aquariums, zoos, museums, and others more effectively advance ocean conservation.
In late 2008, The Ocean Project completed a major survey on public awareness, attitudes, and behaviors concerning the ocean, climate change, and related issues. With funding from NOAA and in collaboration with the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the National Aquarium in Baltimore, The Ocean Project survey produced a massive amount of data gathered from more than 22,000 respondents in the United States. This report distills the survey findings and implications into a succinct, actionable compilation to help aquariums, zoos, museums, and others more effectively advance ocean conservation.
The first ocean and climate tracking survey results, completed in September 2009. The Ocean Project is conducting these tracking surveys every six months, to measure changes and test messaging.
In late 2008, The Ocean Project completed a major survey on public awareness, attitudes, and behaviors concerning the ocean, climate change, and related issues. With funding from NOAA and in collaboration with the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the National Aquarium in Baltimore, The Ocean Project survey produced a massive amount of data gathered from more than 22,000 respondents in the United States.
Stephen R. Kellert, for The Humane Society of the United States
1999
This study is the first comprehensive overview of how Americans view marine mammals. Some key findings highlighted include: most Americans opposed commercial whaling for ethical reasons; supported the protection of marine mammals over commercial fishing interests; objected to captive display of marine mammals in zoos and aquariums unless care was excellent and the education and science benefits were great; and they supported the goals of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and trade sanctions.
Lake Snell Perry Mermin and Associates (American Rivers et al.)
2005
Voters surveyed say clean water is a top concern and a large majority prefer cleaning up polluted waters to drinking bottled water. The national poll released by American Rivers, the Waterkeeper Alliance, River Network, the American Canoe Association, and dozens of other groups, found that when given a choice, 85 percent of voters preferred that "elected officials take significant action to address problems with our water to ensure its safety," over "adjusting to problems with our water by buying bottled water."
This study examined the perceptions Americans have about the present state of our oceans and how we should protect them. Different strategies for educating and involving the public are explored.
The Biodiversity Project
(conducted by Belden Russonello and Stewart)
2002
Poll examines American attitudes about protecting biodiversity and underlying values, as well as concern about habitat loss and their understanding of their personal impact on the environment.
Results show that Americans believe protecting biodiversity is the right thing to do, strongly referencing a personal and moral responsibility, respect for God’s creations, and a duty to future generations. Americans are increasingly worried about habitat loss and are disconnected from their impact on the environment.
John Fraser and Jessica Sickler, Wildlife Conservation Society
2007
This survey, conducted by The Wildlife Conservation Society, was completed by 511 staff and managers at 158 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums nationwide to assess the public value of a zoo or aquarium in the community. The results suggest that professionals are interested in knowing how their local communities value them and in gaining the skills to conduct visitor study methods to obtain this information. The survey also finds that the size of the institution and the role of the professional matters in terms of determining skill sets. For a copy of this report, contact John Fraser atjfraser@wcs.org.
Report contains information about public attitudes and knowledge concerning biodiversity and the state of biodiversity conservation in Pennsylvania.
While Pennsylvanians show overwhelming support for biodiversity conservation and most have an understanding of specific issues, they perceive themselves as not being knowledgeable about biodiversity.
The survey evaluated Californians’ opinions on and attitudes toward commercial and recreational fishing in coastal areas of California, the ecological health of California’s coastal fisheries and wildlife, and fisheries and wildlife management along the coast.
According to the results, two-thirds of Californians disagree that fishing harms the ocean. Californians support harvest limitations over complete harvest bans and show overwhelming support for local, sustainably harvested seafood and family-run fishing operations.
This survey is the ninth PPIC Statewide Survey on the environment since 2000. The current survey
is part of an annual series conducted with funding from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and is intended to inform state, local, and federal policymakers, encourage discussion about environmental topics, and raise public awareness about environmental issues.
Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC)in collaboration with The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
2007
The 2007 survey examines environmental perceptions, attitudes, and policy preferences. It focuses on the related issues of global warming, energy, and air quality because these are current topics in public policy and political debates at the regional, state, and federal government levels. According to the survey, Californians are unhappy about the level of government effort – federal and state – to protect the environment. Although air pollution continues to top the list of environmental problems, residents are becoming much more aware of global warming. Eleven percent identify global warming as the biggest environmental problem facing the state. Californians’ sense of urgency reflects a belief that the effects of global warming are already being felt.
Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) in collaboration with The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
2008
This report focuses on the related issues of air quality, global warming, and energy and the environment, current topics of public policy discussion in local, state, and federal government. The survey also looks at offshore oil drilling. As of 2008, 50% of Californians favor more oil drilling off the coast – a 10-point increase since July 2007.
The Ocean Project (conducted by Belden Russonello & Stewart, and American Viewpoint)
1999
Survey of American adults to understand their connections to the ocean, knowledge of the ocean, awareness of ocean health, perception of human impact on the ocean, personal importance of and support for ocean protection and associated underlying values, environmental concerns, and perceived effective solutions.
Based on the survey the American public was split into attitudinal groups and key ocean communication strategies and messages were developed.
The Ocean Project (conducted by Belden Russonello & Stewart, and American Viewpoint)
1999
Examines the importance Americans place on ocean health and the potential for building greater saliency; the level of public support for protecting the ocean; and the persuasiveness of specific messages that make the case for protecting the ocean.
Background information on the public’s connections, values, attitudes, and knowledge relating to the ocean is also provided.
Report also includes a segmentation of the public based on attitudes toward the ocean, including a discussion of demographic characteristics of each attitudinal segment.
This summary contains much valuable information about what some of the summit participants are doing, or planning, to address climate change and ocean health.
ABC News, Washington Post, and Stanford University
2007
Climate change now places far ahead of any other environmental problem in the U.S. public’s mind; 33 percent now cite it as the world’s top environmental issue, up from 16 percent a year ago.
A follow-up to research conducted about Americans' opinions on seafood, this survey sought to understand the knowledge, motivation, and behavior of European seafood consumers when it came to issues surrounding seafood and the ocean. People in Germany, Spain, and the UK were polled.
This article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review referencing a 2007 McKinsey & Company global survey of 7,751 consumers in eight major economies reports that most consumers are concerned about the environmental and social impacts of the products they buy. Consumers say they want to buy ecologically friendly products and reduce their impact on the environment. But when they get to the cash register, their Earth-minded sentiments die on the vine. Although individual quirks underlie some of this hypocrisy, businesses can do a lot more to help would-be green consumers turn their talk into walk.
Belden Russonello Research and Communications for Communications Consortium Media Center
1996
This memo highlights the trends found in survey data from 1992 to 1995, looking at public opinion on the environment in five main areas: 1) attitudes regarding environmentalism and the environmental movement, 2) the public`s assessment of the state of the environment, 3) the priority assigned to the environment by the public, 4) the environmental issues of most concern, and 5) the role of government in environmental protection.
The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation (NEETF)
2005
Overall awareness of simple environmental topics is reasonably high nationwide and there is a very strong nationwide belief in the value of environmental education. While the simplest forms of environmental knowledge are widespread, public comprehension of more complex environmental subjects is very limited. There is encouraging evidence that the public can learn about the environment and complex ecological relationships. That we are far from succeeding in making this a reality is due to the absence of a comprehensive coordinated approach to environmental education.
Umbria’s research shows that consumers are increasingly discussing environmental issues in online social media, with nearly 10,000 mentions per week over the course of the summer months.
Answers the key questions: Who is taking about the environment? What are the key issues and topics? Why are bloggers engaged in the conversation? How are bloggers taking action?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Nonpoint Source Management Partnership (NSMP) issued a contract to LISBOA, Inc. to conduct eight focus groups to better understand the attitudes, beliefs, feelings, and motivations of the general public toward nonpoint source pollution. The eight groups were scheduled in Salt Lake City, Philadelphia, Seattle and Atlanta. Two groups, segmented by age, were conducted at each site. One included 20-35 year olds; and the other 36-60 year olds.
League of Conservation Voters
(conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research)
2007
Survey examines how people in Florida feel about global warming. Specially, the survey asks if people believe global warming is real and will have adverse effects, if global warming poses a higher than average threat to Florida, if it is worth the economic costs to deal with climate change, if they support specific government policies to deal with the issue, and if they are taking specific personal actions to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions.
Generally people in Florida are concerned about global warming, and support policy initiatives and are taking personal action to combat global warming.
North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation
2001
This survey polled the online American public to understand their vision of what the North American environment will look like 20 years from now. Two thirds of survey respondents believe that the state of the environment will be worse in 20 years, while even the third that believe the environment will be in better shape still think that more environmental degradation must occur first before enough people will sit up and take notice of the situation. The report includes the reasons given by respondents for environmental deterioration or improvement and their opinions on the biggest environmental problems that will confront us in the future. The questionnaire was informal and does not represent a random sampling of the population.
North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation
2000
Survey polled the online American public to understand their vision of what the North American environment will look like 20 years from now and why, and their opinions on the biggest environmental problems that will confront us in the future.
Two thirds of survey respondents believe that the state of the environment will be worse in 20 years, while even the third that believe the environment will be in better shape still think that more environmental degradation must occur first before enough people will sit up and take notice of the situation.
Americans are sympathetic toward the environmental movement, but lack the ominous view about environmental conditions that might be needed to spur major action.
Poll examines how the environment ranks in comparison to other issues and how different environmental issues compare; perception and concern about the status and trend of environmental quality in the United States; the role of government, corporations, and the public in environmental protection; balance between environmental protection and energy production; and personal actions to protect the environment, including willingness to pay more and change behaviors.
The environment is not a high salience issue for Americans at this time, and has a low top-of-mind presence when the public is asked about priorities for government.
Since 9/11, the environment has been overshadowed by anti-terrorism efforts, the war in Iraq, a struggling economy, and rising gas prices. While there has been some increase in Americans' general concern about the environment and awareness of global warming, their willingness to compromise economic growth or energy production in the furtherance of environmental quality has not grown.
This study regarding the use of media by teens and tweens demonstrates the powerful force of various media in young people’s lives. The report found that teens and tweens spend more time with media than in any other activity besides (maybe) sleeping — an average of more than 7½ hours a day, seven days a week. It includes much useful information like the types of media youth use, which they own, how much time they spend with each medium, which activities they engage in, how often they multitask, and how they differ from one another in the patterns of their media
use.
This survey of 2,000 American adults by GfK Roper Consulting, a division of GfK Custom Research North America, finds that nearly nine in ten consumers agree they are seriously concerned about the environment, over seven in ten want the federal government to strengthen enforcement of green regulations, and over half say the environment should be prioritized over the economy. The top five issues most worrisome to Americans are “water pollution and rainforest destruction”, diminishing fresh water supplies, fuel and energy shortages, and air pollution. The study segments consumers into five key groups by attitudes and actions, and responses also indicate that a lack of environmental education prevents many people from “going green”.
Harris Interactive surveyed 1,052 American adults about global warming in this October study. They found that nearly nine in ten agree that all industrial countries, including developing ones, must be involved in controlling greenhouse gas emissions, with eight in ten stating that the United States must “set the lead when it comes to controlling greenhouse gases and pollution.” More than half of respondents – a marked decrease since the early 1990s – thought there should be more government regulation “in the area of environmental protection.” Response variations by political party affiliation are also discussed.
Yale Project on Climate Change and Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication
2009
This research on effective messaging to Americans regarding climate change actions finds six discrete audience segments - from strongly engaged to completely dismissive of climate change as a threat - with different concerns, needs, values, and motivations. The report suggests ways to carefully target each of these six different audiences.
Yale Project on Climate Change
George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication
2009
This report identifies Global Warming's Six Americas: six unique audiences within the American public that each responds to the issue in their own distinct way. The six audiences; alarmed, concerned, cautious, disengaged, doubtful and dismissive, were identified using a large nationally representative survey of American adults conducted in the fall of 2008. The survey questionnaire included extensive, in-depth measures of the public's climate change beliefs, attitudes, risk perceptions, motivations, values, policy preferences, behaviors, and underlying barriers to action. This report introduces these Six Americas by briefly describing each audience and highlighting how they differ from one another; it concludes with detailed demographic, attitudinal, and behavioral profiles of each group.
This National Geographic Society and GlobeScan tool measures and compares individual consumer behavior as it relates to the environment, including sustainable consumption and behavior among consumers in 14 countries. This first-of-its-kind study reveals surprising differences between consumers in developed and developing countries in terms of environmentally friendly actions.
T.E. Curry, D.M. Reiner, S. Ansolabehere, and H.J. Herzog
2004
A survey of 1,200 people in 2003 by MIT researchers shows that climate change and the threat of global warming are poorly understood by the US public, and that taking action to reduce their impact is not a high priority. Subjects were also unfamiliar with technology used to reduce climate change.
While this poll shows how differently we all view "green" issues, millions of Americans take steps to protect the environment, reduce their energy and water consumption, and reduce their carbon footprint. And these behaviors are highly correlated with their attitudes toward the environment and environmentalism. Most people have taken some steps to reduce or limit their use of electricity and paper. Many others have taken steps to recycle computers, cell phones or other electronic devices, switched from bottled water to tap water, taken steps to reduce their water consumption, made their homes more energy efficient, or bought a more energy efficient car. At the same time, this Harris Poll points to the huge potential for much more environmentally friendly behavior; it’s not so much a glass that is half empty or half full, but one that is “mostly empty but filling up.
This analysis identifies key values and messages for communicating the impact of the loss of species and habitats and describes specific audiences for information about biodiversity. The survey it was based on is different than many others on environmental issues because it measures the values that underlie Americans` feelings about the environment. The quantitative findings of this survey complement the qualitative findings of the 1995 focus groups.
According to this annual March survey on the environment, a majority of Americans largely believes global warming is real and that the seriousness of the issue is either correctly portrayed in the news or underestimated, but a record-high 41% now say it is exaggerated by the media. While still only a snapshot in time, this represents the highest level of public skepticism about mainstream reporting on global warming since Gallup's trend on this measure began in 1997. Furthermore, the poll also shows that Americans are "a bit less concerned about the seriousness of global warming" with only 34% of Americans saying they worry "a great deal" about the problem.
An international consortium of about 700 academic institutions and research organizations, ICPSR provides leadership and training in data access, curation, and methods of analysis for the social science research community. ICPSR maintains a data archive of more than 500,000 files of research in the social sciences. It hosts 16 specialized collections of data in education, aging, criminal justice, substance abuse, terrorism, and other fields.
WorldPublicOpinion.org, a project of the Program on International Policy Attitudes
2007
A new analysis of 11 recent international polls on climate change conducted around the world by BBC/GlobeScan/PIPA, the Pew Research Center, GlobeScan, WorldPublicOpinion.org/Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the German Marshall Fund, and Eurobarometer. Analysis shows high international awareness, acceptance of climate change as a human caused problem, and support for taking strong action. Analysis also covers public opinion on options for confronting climate change.
Poll of environmental attitudes and concerns among Latinos in California.
Results show that air pollution is the highest environmental concern among Latinos as well as African Americans. Both groups perceive disparities in the health threat posed by air pollution and support air quality policies although support is lower among Latinos.
Latinos are most likely of all racial groups to believe that global warming is a threat.
Throughout 2009 the BBC World Service Trust carried out surveys of Africans about their knowledge and perspectives on climate change as part of a broader research and communication initiative, Africa Talks Climate. The findings draw on focus group discussions with more than 1,000 people in Nigeria (pilot), Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal and Uganda (phase one); and DR Congo, South Africa, Sudan and Tanzania (phase two). This briefing is based on research findings from the first six of these countries. Key findings include that people in these countries are intensely environmentally aware and perceive an increasing and deeply disturbing deterioration in their environment. To them, environmental degradation is seen as an issue of personal and often profound individual impact.
Roper Starch Worldwide, conducted for The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation (NEETF)
2001
The 2001 Annual National report Card on Environmental Attitudes, Knowledge, and Behavior examines why the overwhelming majority of adult Americans support environmental education in schools despite their own lack of environmental knowledge. Specifically they explored attitudes on balancing the environment and the economy, the state of environmental knowledge, and participation in environmental activities.
Poll conducted by Harris Interactive found that dolphins are the favorite animal among aquarium visitors.
Also, 97 percent of respondents agree that marine life parks, aquariums and zoos play an important role in educating the public about marine mammals they might not otherwise have the chance to see and 93 percent agree that visiting these facilities can inspire conservation action that can help marine mammals and their natural environment.
Generations, like people, have personalities, and Millennials -- the American teens and twenty-somethings who are making the passage into adulthood at the start of a new millennium -- have begun to forge theirs: confident, self-expressive, liberal, upbeat and open to change. They are more ethnically and racially diverse than older adults. They're less religious, less likely to have served in the military, and are on track to become the most educated generation in American history. For environment-specific findings, see "Going Green" in Chapter 7: Lifestyle.
Henry P. Kendall Foundation
(conducted by Belden Russonello & Stewart)
2002
New Englanders strongly desire to protect the forests of their region and support a number of proposals such as keeping some areas of the forests of northern New England “natural” and “wild,” as well as limiting development in the area.
New Englanders view the forest as a place to protect but also as a resource to use. When forced to choose, a large majority is more likely to consider the forests natural habitats rather than a source of timber. New Englanders are driven by a desire to preserve the balance of nature and an appreciation for the interconnectedness of forest areas.
The Ocean Project (conducted by Belden Russonello & Stewart, and American Viewpoint)
1999
At the moment, Americans are unaware of the threats to ocean health and they greatly underestimate their own role in damaging the oceans. The public values the oceans for their recreational and emotional aspects, but their understanding of why we need the oceans is superficial. Consequently, while many Americans express an emotional connection to the oceans, awareness and concerns about the oceans’ health are low.
Aquariums, zoos, and museums have a unique opportunity to educate the public about the importance of oceans.
This study was carried out as an update of a benchmark survey first conducted in 1992 by Roper Report for Anheuser Busch. The intent of the study was to identify public attitudes and opinions toward animal facilities. Nine out of ten Americans believe zoos and aquariums are essential to educating the public about animals, and most believe education is most important function of these institutions.
The Coral Reef Foundation (now called The Ocean Foundation), The Munson Foundation, and SeaWeb
2002
This was the first nationwide public survey conducted on coral reef issues. The report, carried out by Edge Research, finds that although Americans feel they know little about coral reefs, they are concerned about reef health and are willing to take action to protect reefs, with all demographic and geographic groups strongly supporting the creation of protected areas.
Environics Research Group Limited, conducted for Fisheries and Oceans Canada
2005
A survey of Canadian opinion on fisheries issues covering the following areas: a) awareness of actions on overfishing/illegal fishing, b) importance of taking steps to stop overfishing/illegal fishing, c) most effective approach to problem of overfishing/illegal fishing, d) most important long-term priority, and e) concern about the future of local and global fish stocks and why. Opinion research effort included focus group research to gain a better understanding of the views, attitudes and perceptions of the overfishing issue among different segments of the Canadian population.
The Pew Research Center for the People & the Press (conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International)
2008
This poll of 1,508 American adults showed that nine in ten voters, regardless of political party affiliation, supported government efforts to boost vehicle efficiency, and more than eight in ten supported increased federal funding for alternative energy. Voters from both parties continued to strongly favor increased federal support for policies such as increased vehicle fuel efficiency, alternative energy development and greater use of mass transit but were more divided on policies such as nuclear power and tax breaks for oil exploration. However, party gaps were apparent on issues such as nuclear power and tax cuts for oil companies. Significantly more Republicans were found to support increased use of nuclear power and tax cuts of oil exploration. Raising the gasoline tax remained unpopular with all voters – only about one in five people surveyed said they favored the idea.
Polls shows that concern for the environment transcends religious affiliation, in opposition to other hot button topics such as abortion, gay marriage, the death penalty, etc. Backing for the environment occurs in virtually every group, and support runs quite deeply.
The Ocean Project (conducted by Belden Russonello & Stewart, and American Viewpoint)
1999
Analysis of public opinion research on the ocean from 1992-1999. Covers how the ocean and the environment rank in comparison to other issues; how people value the ocean - their personal connections to the ocean and its impact on their daily lives; awareness about the roles of the ocean, ocean issues, the condition of the ocean, and human impacts on the ocean; seafood consumption; the language people use to describe the ocean and messages and messengers that are effective in communicating about the ocean; support for various ocean policies and people’s willingness to take personal actions to protect the ocean.
New Zealand Department of Conservation (Allison Arnold)
2004
This paper reviews research on public attitudes towards marine issues and considers the New Zealand Department of Conservation’s future research priorities in this area. The paper is based on a review of previous research undertaken by the Department and other local and central government agencies within and beyond New Zealand and discussions on research priorities with Department staff. For each study the key research findings and research methodologies are discussed. Possible research priorities for the Department and recommendations for further research on public attitudes towards marine issues are then outlined.
This report contains public opinions gathered from 47 nations on global climate change, including the world`s public opinion of which nations hold the most the blame for pollution and climate change.
Meta -analysis of Americans’ attitudes towards the environment and environmental issues based on a number of public opinion studies.
Analysis covers people’s concern about the quality of the environment, the environment in relation to other issues, and global warming. Also examines the public’s satisfaction with government environmental policies and their confidence in the government and environmental organizations to protect the environment.
Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History (conducted by the Institute for Learning Innovation)
2003
Front-end exploratory evaluation in support of a new exhibit about the ocean. It is an interview-based assessment of museum visitors’ knowledge, attitudes, and interests related to the ocean.
Findings suggest that visitors have strong personal affinity for, and interest in the ocean. Visitors’ interests, however, were largely related to recreation or simply spending time at the beach. Although this is a positive indication that visitors will naturally be drawn to an exhibition about the ocean, it suggests that it may be difficult to make strong connections between what visitors are naturally interested in and more the in-depth content.
This report is part of a PRC series of reports exploring the behaviors, values and opinions of the teens and twenty-somethings that make up the Millennial Generation. It presents findings on 2000-2009 trends in the use of social networking sites, features, and applications such as Twitter; method of Internet access; frequency of use, and online purchases and other activities by age group, race/ethnicity, and gender.
According to the report, almost all Millennials (93%) go online, but there has been a decline in blogging among younger Americans. Millennials, however, are increasingly connecting to the internet wirelessly (81% are now) and nearly three in four of those who go online use social networking sites.
European Commission, Environment Directorate-General (TNS Opinion & Social network)
2008
The survey tackled the following broad themes:
General attitudes towards the environment, Personal relationship with the environment, Opinions on environment policies and Information on the environment.
Findings include that European citizens attach great value to the environment and are increasingly aware of the role that the environment plays in their lives. Most Europeans have environmentally friendly attitudes and they are aware of their role as individuals in protecting their environment however, although Europeans are aware of the need to protect the environment, their green attitudes do not always translate into environmentally friendly behavior and concrete actions. The extent to which people feel informed about environmental issues has not changed at EU level since last survey in 2004 but varies substantially from country to country. The main challenge revealed by this survey appears to be how to better inform European citizens about environmental issues and encourage them to act on their environmental convictions.
This survey examines in detail Californians’ views on ocean and coastal conditions in the state, their policy preferences and lifestyle choices in relation to the ocean and coastal areas, and their perceptions of state and federal efforts in the environmental arena. The survey builds on a November 2003 survey from PPIC`s environment series that offered the first comprehensive analysis of the public`s perspectives on the wide range of marine and coastal issues confronting California today.
Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), in collaboration with The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
2006
This report focuses on Californians’ knowledge, attitudes, and concerns about air quality, global warming, and energy. Also discussed are public opinion about the causes of poor air quality, the effects of air quality on human health, and people’s willingness to take personal action to improve it. On global warming, the survey examines satisfaction with government policies to address the issue including California’s emissions policy, oil drilling and fuel efficiency, alternative energy, and the effects of gasoline prices. Similar surveys were also conducted in 2005, 2004, and 2003.
The Ocean Project (conducted by Belden Russonello & Stewart, and American Viewpoint)
1999
Explores the public’s connections, values, attitudes, and knowledge relating to the ocean. Also provides recommendations about what needs to be communicated to build awareness and to increase people’s concern about the health of the ocean.
This survey questioned 1,000 voters in California on their perception of ocean health and attitudes toward fully-protected ocean areas. A major finding of this study was that there is widespread support for fully-protected areas, with a majority favoring them in each region. This held true even when respondents were told it may mean loss of public access to parts of the ocean.
Samantha O'Keefe, Howard Herzog and David Reiner (MIT Carbon Sequestration Initiative)
2009
An MIT survey, conducted in September 2009, showed that Americans expressed less urgency about dealing with climate change than they did three years ago—but still far more than they did six years ago. Knowledge Networks conducted the study of opinions the public’s opinions about energy use and environmental issues. The primary goal of the study was to gather information on people’s support for measures for reducing green house emission. The bulk of the questionnaire was previously administered to the KN panel in 2003 and 2006 and the current study was also intended to track any changes in public’s feelings on the same issues.
The Woods Institute for the Environment at Stanford University, in collaboration with ABC News and Time Magazine
2006
The first annual installment of Stanford’s national survey on the public’s perceptions of the environment, conducted in March by TNS of Pennsylvania, shows that Americans "are pessimistic about the state of the natural environment and want a lot to be done to improve its health." Access findings from the following year, 2007, here.
This report draws together known information on the US seafood market and fisheries, combined with research on consumers’ and food professionals’ attitudes towards seafood. Results show that while few Americans are knowledgeable about where their seafood comes from and the consequences of eating it, a significant number would be willing to support more sustainable options if they became available.
The Heartland Institute, conducted by TNS Intersearch
2000
This widespread poll, with over 50,000 respondents from over 60 countries, sought the public`s knowledge of and opinions on the state of the world`s environment. Troublingly, 62 percent of Americans responded that the present state of the environment is very or mainly satisfactory. Additionally, while the issue of vanishing rainforest remains foremost on the public`s mind, very few rank the ocean as an area of concern.
The Woods Institute for the Environment at Stanford University, in collaboration with The Associated Press
2007
The second annual installment of Stanford’s national survey on the public’s perceptions of the environment, conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs, shows that Americans remain pessimistic about its condition and want greater effort directed toward improving its health. This report also compares the results with the previous year's findings.
This 4-page memo reports the results from a national survey of 800 adult Americans with an additional 250 interviews among those living in coastal states regarding their attitudes towards marine sanctuaries. The survey suggests that there is broad support for increased protection of ocean places. Nine major conclusions were drawn from the survey including individual perceptions of topics such as pollution, coastal versus deep ocean areas, and the effectiveness of current regulations.
This organization compiled results from a long list of separate polls and combined them to take the temperature of the nation on the issues of the environment, trade, and campaign finance reform. A good source of broad information on the American public`s thought process.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
2002
As a surrogate for public opinion polls, a media content analysis was performed for news stories related to marine protected areas. Specifically, the analysis considers expressions of knowledge, uses, values, and attitudes associated with marine protected areas, and the stakeholder groups involved in the discussion.
Ecological uses and values were expressed more often than social, recreational, and commercial uses and values. The results also identify gaps in the knowledge that can be addressed by ongoing and future MPA management efforts.
AZA partnered with the Institute of Learning Innovation (ILI) and the Monterey Bay Aquarium to conduct a three-year, nationwide study that included more than 5,500 visitors from 12 AZA-accredited institutions. This study investigated the impacts zoo or aquarium visits have on the conservation attitudes and understanding of adult visitors and results demonstrate that these visits enhance the understanding of wildlife and the conservation of the places animals live. The results found that visiting a zoo or aquarium has a direct impact on how people view themselves as part of the solution, and helps them identify environmental problems. The survey also found that zoos and aquariums support and reinforce the values and attitudes of the visitor. Furthermore, the study found that visitors arrive at zoos and aquariums with specific identity-related motivations and these motivations directly impact how they conduct their visit and what meaning they derive from the experience.
Survey conducted in connection with the State Wildlife Plans. Survey examines people’s connection to and knowledge of wildlife, attitudes and concerns about habitat loss, perceptions of threats to wildlife, support for wildlife conservation including the State Wildlife Plans, best language and messages for taking about wildlife conservation, and satisfaction with current government policies.
Survey conducted by Public Opinion Strategies (R) and Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin and Associates.
