Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day for August 21, 2017
The Number of the Day columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.
August 21, 2017: Twenty-eight percent (28%) of Americans think that climate scientists understand the causes of global climate change “very well.” A Pew Research study found that only 19% believe that the climate scientists have a very good understanding of the best ways to address the issue.[1]
In general, the study found that Americans trust climate scientists more than politicians on the topic. Two-thirds (67%) believe scientists should play a major role in addressing policy issues on the matter. Most (56%) also believe that energy industry leaders (56%) and the general public (56%) should have a major say in such policy topics.
The Pew study, however, also found that people believe there are differences of opinion among the climate scientists. Only 27% believe that there is a consensus on the issue and that just about all climate scientists believe human behavior is mostly responsible for global climate change. Another 35% think more than half hold this view.
The survey also explored the degree of trust and confidence in those researching climate science. Thirty-six percent (36%) believe that, most of the time, scientists’ research findings are motivated by a desire to advance their own careers. Only 32% say that they mostly rely on the best scientific evidence. Twenty-seven percent (27%) believe that political views of the scientists generally influence their work.
Liberal Democrats tend to express high levels of confidence in the climate scientists and their motives. Conservative Republicans are often quite skeptical. Most other Americans have mixed views.
| Research findings influenced by... | Percentage responding "most of the time" |
|---|---|
| Desire to advance their own career | 36% |
| Best available scientific evidence | 32% |
| Personal political leanings | 27% |
| Desire to help the industries they work with or for | 26% |
| Concern for best interests of the public | 23% |
Most Americans (55%) believe that new technology will probably solve most of the problems from climate change.
Each weekday, Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day explores interesting and newsworthy topics at the intersection of culture, politics, and technology.
- August 18, 2017 – 354 million downloads of top 10 Android apps in July
- August 17, 2017 – 64 percent believe growing racial and ethnic diversity makes America better
- August 16, 2017 – 33 percent of Americans support single-payer healthcare plan
- August 15, 2017 – 2.4 million people have only one insurance option on healthcare exchanges
- August 14, 2017 – $31 million spent on 2017 ballot measures
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Columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.
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