Grayson
In a report by columnist, political strategist, and host Rachel Marsden, a recent YouGov and CBS News survey polled 2,230 American adults indicates a significant shift in public perception towards climate change. Once considered an urgent global issue, many now view climate change as exaggerated and less critical than other pressing concerns. Here are 10 things from the survey and report to take note of.
Vote for Climate
When asked to rate the importance of various issues, climate change ranked low, with only 45% of respondents considering it “very important.” The relatively low ranking of climate change highlights the ongoing shift in prioritizing environmental issues in public discourse and policy-making.
Economic Concerns Take Precedence
Concerns like the economy and inflation ranked 82% and 79%, respectively, showing the public’s prioritization of immediate survival and stability. With inflation and economic uncertainty affecting daily lives, abstract and long-term issues like climate change become less urgent.
Crime Concerns
According to the survey, crime rates, with a prioritization level of 65%, are increasingly taking precedence in public discourse. As safety and security become more pressing issues for communities. This shows that an Average American is more concerned about getting mugged or robbed than what the climate conventions say is happening to the ozone layer.
Public Skepticism of Climate Policies
Despite widespread acknowledgment of climate change, there’s growing skepticism about the effectiveness of current policies. The global target of suppressing temperature rise to 34.7°F above pre-industrial levels has already been exceeded. This failure, despite significant financial and regulatory efforts, fuels doubt about the competence and honesty of those promoting climate policies.
Bipartisan Indifference
The survey revealed that over half of respondents see no significant difference between Joe Biden’s and Donald Trump’s climate policies. This bipartisan indifference indicates a broader disillusionment with political leadership on climate issues. Many believe that the policies will remain ineffective and insubstantial regardless of who is in power.
Popular Policies: Tax Rebates and Clean Water
When asked about specific environmental policies, respondents favored practical measures like tax rebates and reducing toxic chemicals in drinking water. These policies are tangible and directly beneficial, contrasting with the abstract and often costly climate initiatives. The popularity of these measures shows the public’s desire for clear, achievable goals.
Critique of Federal Carbon Taxes
Respondents in the survey criticize federal carbon taxes, citing examples like Canada’s tax, which has contributed to inflation. Such taxes increase costs throughout the supply chain, making goods and services more expensive. Since carbon taxes are complex and have a negative economic impact, they are unpopular, especially when simpler solutions are available.
The U.S. Approach: Incentivizing Green Companies
The U.S. strategy contrasts with Europe’s more punitive approach. By offering tax credits for carbon capture and sequestration, the U.S. encourages innovation and attracts green businesses. This method is seen as more practical and economically beneficial, avoiding the pitfalls of heavy-handed taxation.
Eco-Anxiety & Media
Eco-anxiety is defined by the American Psychological Association as a chronic fear of environmental doom. The report states that this anxiety is exacerbated by media coverage and experiences of extreme weather events. While some argue that this fear is justified, others see it as a symptom of relentless climate change propaganda.
Climate Change as Propaganda
The Rachel Marsden report argues that climate change has become a tool for political and financial agendas. Governments use the fear of environmental disaster to justify policies and taxes that might otherwise be unpopular. As economic challenges grow, more people are questioning the validity and motives behind the climate change narrative.
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