Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
While wind and solar power are still popular overall, Americans have become less supportive of these sources since the first Trump administration. This shift has been driven by sharp declines in support among Republicans.
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Americans agree the next 50 years will be a period of profound scientific change, but they are divided on which developments will come to pass and whether they would be a good or bad thing for society.
NASA’s SpaceX launch could herald the beginning of the use of private, reusable rockets to service America’s space program.
While Republicans and independents continue to favor constructing the Keystone XL pipeline, Democrats are divided. Opposition to the pipeline is most widespread among highly educated Democrats, liberals and Democrats with high family incomes.
Public views are tied to how these technologies would be used and what constraints would be in place.
Majorities across 20 publics say government investments in scientific research are worthwhile and express a lot or some confidence in scientists to do what is right for the public.
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.
Majorities say scientific research on gene editing is a misuse – rather than an appropriate use – of technology. But public acceptance of gene editing for babies depends on how it will be used, and views often differ by age and religion.
