A recent poll shows a significant change in how Americans feel about paying for climate initiatives. According to a survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago, only 38% of Americans are willing to pay a $1 monthly fee to help fight climate change. This is a notable drop from 2021, when 52% were on board with the idea.
As the proposed fee increases, support dwindles even further. Only about 30% of people are willing to pay $10 or $20 a month. The numbers drop dramatically for higher amounts, with just 20% saying they would pay $75 or $100 monthly.
This shift in attitude comes at a time when climate activism has become a major focus for many Democrats. Politicians like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have made headlines with strong statements about the urgency of addressing climate change. In 2019, she warned that the world could face dire consequences in just 12 years if action isn’t taken.
Despite the urgency expressed by some leaders, many Americans are hesitant to shoulder the financial burden themselves. The poll indicates that while support for a personal carbon fee is low, there is greater backing for taxing companies that emit carbon. About 56% of respondents favor imposing such taxes on businesses.
The poll also revealed that many Americans believe large corporations, oil and gas companies, and the federal government should take more responsibility for climate issues. For instance, 62% think oil and gas companies should bear a significant burden, while 60% feel the same about the federal government. In contrast, only 31% believe individuals should be held accountable, a drop from 50% in 2019.
Interestingly, while support for personal financial contributions to combat climate change is waning, more traditional environmental efforts, like protecting wildlife and conservation areas, still enjoy strong support from 70% of Americans.
This trend highlights a growing disconnect between the urgency of climate change messages from some leaders and the willingness of the public to pay for solutions. As climate change remains a pressing issue, how to fund efforts to combat it continues to be a topic of debate among Americans.
