Americans See Energy Policy as Harmful to the Environment and the Global Economy

A recent poll, taken in 19 countries, by WorldPublicOpinion.org, indicates that citizens are concerned about the impact that current energy policies have on the global economy, environment and security. The poll shows that Americans recognize the need for a pragmatic and effective energy solution to ensure a better world for all. More than 80 percent of Americans believe that the way the world produces and uses energy has a negative impact, including climate change. This concern is consistent with the findings in last month’s programs/glob_engage/news/pew_poll_july_06.html"> Pew Global Attitudes survey which found that 53 percent of Americans view climate change as a problem.

The poll also showed that, in today’s increasingly interconnected world, a strong majority (82 percent) of U.S. citizens are concerned that the problem of energy shortages and prices could destabilize the global economy. The percentage of respondents who showed concern about rising prices rose with respondents’ levels of education.

While the number of concerned Americans is higher than the average of surveyed countries, it is not the most worried nation. The Philippines and South Korea lead this list with 95 and 93 percent (respectively) of their populations at least somewhat concerned about the destabilizing effect of energy shortages and prices. Furthermore, 79 percent of Americans worry that the competition for energy will lead to greater conflict between nations. This concern is evident in all countries with a survey average of 72 percent. With oil prices hitting record levels, this concern is unlikely to diminish.

Despite the potential risks associated with nuclear power a majority of Americans (63 percent) favor the construction of nuclear power plants to reduce reliance on coal and oil. However, there are already 104 nuclear power plants in the U.S., the most nuclear capacity of any nation. Despite this, nuclear reactors are able to produce only 20 percent of the nation’s energy needs.

A more realistic approach should serve to reduce our energy consumption, as well as look toward clean and safe technologies. Americans have mixed feelings on how to accomplish this, with 51 percent of Americans opposing an increase in energy taxes in order to encourage conservation. Conversely, 77 percent of Americans do support requiring auto makers to increase fuel efficiency even if the price of cars would go up. Compared to the average of the surveyed countries (67 percent), Americans show more support for such measures.

Additionally, while Americans do not want their current energy use to be taxed there is overwhelming support (85 percent) for creating tax incentives to encourage the development and use of alternative energy sources, such as solar or wind power. The potential of which has remained untapped in the United States.

Stable, reliable and affordable sources of energy are crucial both to U.S. and global economies. We can choose now to take actions that will give us an insurance policy against the worst effects of global warming; or we can take our chances with a natural phenomenon that could completely alter our climate, economy and way of life.

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