New public opinion research shows climate change rising as a policy priority in Massachusetts
UPDATE: Download the slide’s from the release event (PDF)
Download the report and topline (PDF)
As Governor Charlie Baker and state lawmakers eye a new statewide goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, new public opinion research indicates climate change is rising as a priority for Massachusetts residents. Majorities support various policy ideas to reduce carbon emissions and prepare for climate change's effects. Residents also report a range of impacts from climate change already underway, with more expected in the next few years.
These are key findings from a new report on polling and focus groups conducted by The MassINC Polling Group (MPG). MPG will present the findings at an event 9:30 am on Monday, February 3 at the UMass Club (1 Beacon Street, 32nd Floor).
Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides will give the keynote address, followed by a panel discussion. Panelists include:
• Elizabeth Turnbull Henry. President, Environmental League of Massachusetts;
• Jay Ash. CEO, Massachusetts Competitive Partnership; and
• Marcos Marrero, Director of Planning and Economic Development, City of Holyoke
The panel will be moderated by Dr. Tracy Corley, Transit-Oriented Development Fellow at MassINC.
Among the key findings from the research:
Massachusetts residents see climate change as a serious challenge and are already feeling its impacts. A large majority of residents (81%) acknowledge it "has probably been happening. If left unchecked, 79% say climate change will be a serious problem for Massachusetts, including 53% who say it will be "very serious". Residents already see a range of consequences to the environment, with half or more saying more powerful storms, coastal erosion, sea level rise, heat waves, and coastal flooding are happening now.
Massachusetts residents see the need for action at all levels. Over half of Massachusetts residents name climate change (54%) or global warming (53%) as a "high priority" for state government, continuing a steady rise from 2011. Majorities support a variety of state-level policy initiatives to deal with climate change, including the Transportation and Climate Initiative championed by the Baker administration (66% total support). Improving public transportation to reduce car trips was most popular (86%). Both of these findings echo other recent MPG polls on transportation.
Climate change will affect us all, but some will fare better than others. Residents think the impacts of climate change are happening already and will be felt everywhere, but far more think high-income neighborhoods are prepared for it (63%) than low-income neighborhoods (22%). Higher-income residents are more likely to think their own families and neighborhoods are prepared than less well-off residents.
Change to everyday life seems inevitable, either to address climate change or adapt to its impacts. Among those who acknowledge climate change, 72% think stopping it will require major or moderate changes to how we live today. If nothing is done to stop climate change, 66% foresee major or moderate changes. Whether the state acts or not, residents are bracing for substantial changes to their day-to-day lives.
"This research shows residents know change is coming; either from climate change itself, or what it will take to stop it," said Steve Koczela, President of The MassINC Polling Group, which conducted the research. "Residents see serious consequences coming, and see the need for action at all levels."
About the Research
The MassINC Polling Group conducted a survey and focus groups with Massachusetts residents on the topic of climate change. MPG surveyed 2,318 residents of Massachusetts, including an oversample of 964 residents in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Lynn, Quincy, Revere, Somerville, and Winthrop. The survey was conducted October 10 - November 8, 2019 via landline and cell phone via live telephone interviewers, as well as online survey interviewing.
Results were weighted using known and estimate population parameters on age, race gender, education, party, and region. Oversample responses were weighted to be representative within each racial group, within the oversampled region, and finally in proportion to their share of the entire state population.
Prior to the survey MPG conducted five focus groups, one each in Northampton, New Bedford, and Worcester, and two in Boston. One Boston group comprised Latino residents, while a second group reflected the general population. The groups were 90 minutes each and were conducted between September 26th and October 8th, 2019. All groups comprised 9 to 11 residents from the corresponding region. Participants were selected to provide a good mix of demographics such as age, gender, race, and income, and were screened for belief that climate change is happening and that government has a role in solving big problems.
Both the poll and focus groups were sponsored by the Barr Foundation, with additional support from the Hyams Foundation.
About The MassINC Polling Group
The MassINC Polling Group is a nonpartisan public opinion research firm serving public, private, and social-sector clients. MPG elevates the public's voice with cutting edge methods and rigorous analysis. Based in Boston, MPG serves a nationwide client base.