! - .
ENVIRONMENTAL
READ IN Eds FOR
IE^Z 1 ST CENTURY
^y**
THE EIGHTH ANNUAL
NATIONAL
REPORT CARD ON
ENVIRONMENTAL
ATTITUDES, KNOWLEDGE,
AND BEHAVIOR
DECEMBER 1999
i; THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION & TRAINING FOUNDATION
ROPER STARCH WORLDWIDE
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1999 REPORT CARD:
Environmental Readiness
for the 21st Century
The Eighth Annual National Report Card on
Environmental Attitudes, Knowledge, and Behavior
DECEMBER 1999
The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation
WAV, i
WORLDWIDE
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'!' JM'I" , "(" . "I"
About NEETF
The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation is a private nonprofit orga-
nization authorized by Congress in 1990. The Foundation strives to help America meet
critical national challenges by connecting environmental learning to progress on issues of
national concern such as health care, educational excellence, our competitive position in
business and effective community participation in managing our natural resources. In addi-
tion to making leveraged challenge grants for outstanding environmental projects across
the nation, NEETF seeks funds to support several innovative environmental education pro-
grams, which include, along with the annual NEETF/Roper Report Cards:
» Wellness and The Environment: integrating environmental health into our public health
and health care systems.
Safe Drinking Water Program: providing an educational backdrop to government Con-
sumer Confidence Reports on drinking water.
Institute for Corporate Environmental Mentoring: fostering business-to-business
mentoring to help companies improve environmental and economic performance.
Environmental Education and Academic Excellence: promoting effective, science-based
and objective environmental education as beneficial to students' academic performance.
National Public Lands Day: a nationwide, volunteer driven program improving and
enhancing national parks, forests, lakes, wildlife habitats, and other public land sites.
Acknowledgments
The trustees and staff of The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation
are grateful to all of those who helped support this survey. The 1999 NEETF/Roper Report
Card could not have been done without the financial and technical support of the US Envi-
ronmental Protection Agency's Office of Environmental Education. We also greatly appre-
ciate die work done on the survey by David Lintern of Roper Starch Worldwide who, as
account manager, oversaw the field research, analysis, and writing of this report.
© 1999 The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any
means /without written permission from the publisher, The National Environmental Education & Training
Foundation, 1707 H Street, NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20006; Tel: 202-833-2933; Fax: 202-621-6464;
email@neetf.org; www.neetf.org.
n Cover printed on 100% Recycled, 30% postconsumer paper; Inside printed on
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Contents
Foreword 1
Executive Summary 2
I. Environmental Attitudes 7
II. Environmental Knowledge 25
III. Environmental Activities 37
Conclusions and Recommendation 41
Appendix A: Special Subgroup Analyses 45
Appendix B: Methodology and Questionnaire 50
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List of Figures
FIGURE
PAGE
1: Environmental Protection and Economic Development Can Go Hand in Hand 9
2: When Compromise Is Impossible, Environment Is Favored Over Development 10
3: Trend Data: Preference for the Environment Over the Economy, by Gender and Age ... 11
4: Opinion of Environmental Laws and Regulations 12
5: Attitudes Toward Environmental Laws, by Gender and Age 13
6: Views on Environmental Regulation, by Income 14
7: Current Regulation of Specific Environmental Issues 15
8: Trend Data: Water Pollution Laws "Do Not Go Far Enough," by Gender and Region 16
9: Trend Data: Air Pollution Laws "Do Not Go Far Enough," by Gender and Age 17
10: Extent to WTiich Groups Can be Relied Upon to Solve Environmental Problems 20
11: Whether Issue Will Be a Very Serious Problem in the Next 15 to 25 Years 21
12: Environmental Catastrophe Imminent 23
13: Views on Causes of War and Conflict 24
14: Self-Reported Knowledge of Environmental Issues and Problems 26
15: Knowledge of Emerging Issues: Percent Answering Correctly 27
16: Percent Answering Environmental Knowledge Questions Correctly, by Education 34
17: Environmental Attitudes and Activities, by Knowledge Group , 35
18: Environmental Activities Done Frequently in Day-to-Day Life 37
19: Environmental Activities Performed Frequently, by Gender 39
20: Activities Done Frequently in Day-to-Day Life that Benefit the
Environment, by Self-Reported Environmental Knowledge 40
21: Eight Year Trend: A Summary of Changes and Attitudes Over Time 42
22: The Environmental Gender Gap, 1999 46
23: Environmental Knowledge of Emerging Issues, by Gender 47
24: Trend Data: Environmental Laws "Do Not Go Far Enough," by Gender and Age 48
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Foreword
Iaking stock of our environmental "readiness" seems appropriate at this .unique point on
the calendar. Poised at the beginning of a new century, we are well positioned to consider
where the American public now stands in relation to environmental protection and, where
we need to go. Few issues are likely to be more important in the early part of the next century.
How well suited are Americans to understand the environmental challenges we face? How well
prepared are we to take action and make the decisions we will be called on to make? This 1999,
Report Card demonstrates something we have long suspected: Americans are ill prepared to under-
stand and address the complex and intractable issues that will be our greatest challenges in the 21st
century. Even though concern for the quality of the environment and its relationship to human
health will likely increase in the early part of the next century, knowing the issues, and doing some-
thing constructive about the problems may be more difficult than ever. '......._
Many of our leading environmental problems today and into the future will be the result of the
accumulated actions of individuals. Issues such as freshwater shortages, global warming, systemic
contaminants, run-off water pollution, and environmental problems caused by small businesses,
homes, and automobiles will become more of a factor in,our environmental future.. Not only are
these issues difficult for the public to understand in their full complexity, but they are also largely
beyond the reach of government environmental regulation programs. Americans as a whole are
vastly unprepared to address the suite of future environmental issues that will require personal
knowledge and action. You might say our cumulative 'EQ' our environmental intelligence
quotient is dangerously low. Rectifying this situation will require a much greater emphasis on
education and training than ever before.
Despite some discouraging findings, there is much good news in the 1999 NEETF/Roper Report
Card, especially for supporters of environmental quality. For a number of reasons, pro-environ-
ment sentiment and support are likely to increase in the coming years. The demographic reasons
for this shift are discussed in the Report Card as well. I commend this report to your attention, in
the hope that working together, we can become better prepared for our environmental future.
Kevin Coyle
President,
The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation
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Executive Summary
This report examines a simple question: are Americans environmentally prepared for
the 21st century? The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation
(NEETF) commissioned a survey to better understand what Americans know about
the environment and how they view emerging environmental problems. This survey, con-
ducted by Roper Starch Worldwide, includes an assessment of adult Americans' attitudes
and behaviors toward the environment in addition to their environmental knowledge.
As environmental issues become more complex and increasingly the result of accumulated indi-
vidual actions, the importance of environmental knowledge on the part of each American will
increase. More will be required of both individuals and their leaders in our eiivironmentalfuture.
Environmentally knowledgeable Americans will better understand what they as individuals can
do to solve environmental problems and will be better motivated to take action. A knowledgeable
public can also play a larger role in evaluating whether proposed environmental laws and regula-
tions make sense, in determining what new policies are needed, in supporting government regu-
lations and policies, and in claiming information that it is the public's right to know.
Unfortunately, the 1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card clearly shows that Americans are largely
unprepared for these roles. On key emerging environmental issues, most Americans will
need to catch up, if they are to understand the coming issues in environmental protection
and help play a role in solving the problems.
Survey Results
The public's disturbingly low "EG."* will block progress on many issues
Americans are not prepared for our environmental future. Fewer than one in nine
Americans gets a passing score of 60% on knowledge of issues likely to be major prob-
*EQ= Environmental Intelligence Quotient.
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
lems in the next 15-25 years. Just 1 in 25 scored 70% or above in a quiz of environmen-
tal knowledge.
On average, Americans answered just three multiple-choice questions right on a ten-
question quiz about issues in the next century.
The public continues to engage in several simple activities such as recycling and saving
electricity or water, that benefit the environment. But by and large, individuals have not
embraced some of the most important actions that are within their power to control.
There are important differences between what scientists judge as the most critical emerg-
ing issues such as climate change and population growth, and public awareness of these
issues. These differences have significant implications for the ability of lawmakers and
public officials to convince the public to take action or to understand the implications of
these issues.
Environmental Readiness Report Card
ATTITUDE
Support for the environment
Willingness to work toward balanced solutions
KNOWLEDGE
Understanding of causes of basic
environmental problems in the 21st century
Agreement with experts
on top issues in the 21st century
ACTION
Willingness to take steps
to solve problems
D+
B
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Incorrect understanding of the environment
will likely persist into the next century
Myths and outdated information about important environmental issues remain entrenched
as we move into the next century. Most Americans still do not know how most of the elec-
tricity in the United States is generated, some of the main causes of global climate change,
or the most common source of water pollution of rivers and streams. Nevertheless, con-
cern and support for the environment are high and likely to rise further.
" Support for environmental protection (70%) over the economy (18%) will likely increase
even further in the first part of the next century as women, the younger generation, and
urban residents increasingly move into positions of leadership. Thus, while the good
economy has no doubt boosted support for the environment, it is by no means the only
factor in current or future support.
Support for government regulation of the environment is also likely to remain strong,
while the percentage calling for additional regulation could easily increase from a 47%
plurality to a clear majority in the early part in the next century.
Americans continue to support balance and compromise
The current view, held by 61 % of Americans, that the environment and the economy can
go hand- in-hand is likely to be held by even more Americans in the next century due to
demographic changes combined with changes in policy. A strong majority of Americans
do not believe that environmental problems must be divisive or polarizing.
Health remains highest-ranked among environmental
concerns but is ironically low in reflected knowledge
Health-related issues for example, relating to air, water, and toxics routinely garner
the highest levels of public concern and support, but actual knowledge of the causes of
these types of pollution is not very high. Nor is it evident that people understand the
relationship of environmental factors to disease. Only 7% of Americans know, for ex-
ample, that contaminated water is the leading cause of childhood death in the world.
Americans worry about environmental disaster but fail to see the role of
the environment in world conflict
" A majority (56%) of Americans continue to feel that we are headed toward an environ-
mental catastrophe well into the next century.
« However, few Americans suspect that the environment is already one of the most signifi-
cant causes of war and conflict in the world and that this threat to security will increase in
the next century.
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
There will be a dramatically new landscape for environmental solutions
in the coming years through local and individual action
Even though support for environmental regulation will likely remain high in the early
part of the next century, Americans are looking to individuals, environmental organiza-
tions, and citizen groups to provide leadership on environmental solutions, rather than
large businesses or government agencies.
The 1999 NEETF/Roper Survey shows that Americans are quite willing to act on envi-
ronmental solutions if it is within their power to do so and if they can take such actions as
part of their ongoing daily activities.
Recommendations for the 21st Century
Working with colleague organizations, the Congress, and the Administration, NEETF rec-
ommends implementing the following:
A New Index for Environmental Problem-Solving: Understanding
Where Individual Actions Can Make the Most Difference
Develop and publish a new People-to-Problem Index that measures the degree to which a
major environmental problem such as run-off water pollution can only be fully ad-
dressed by educating and involving people, small businesses, and local communities. The
Index should highlight which critical national environmental issues are most suited to solu-
tions at the grassroots and civic level, thus helping to prioritize and target educational efforts.
New Social Science Research: Determining
What Motivates Individual Action on the Environment
Increase the commitment of the government and the non-governmental sectors to learn-
ing-driven approaches to solving environmental problems. Foster a comprehensive new
program of research on how people learn about environmental issues and what moti-
vates them to work toward their solutions.
More Environmental Education for the Media:
Improving the Public's Understanding of the Issues
The American media is considered the most influential source of environmental informa-
tion for adult Americans. Yet there are few efforts to more thoroughly and effectively edu-
cate the media on complex environmental issues of the next century. We must strengthen
our efforts to provide deeper background and educational materials and briefings to mem-
bers of the media including sound scientific information, maps and visuals, and more.
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Mediation Skills Training: Helping Communities
Solve Local Environmental Problems
As we move into an age where more balance will be sought between the environment and
the economy, more attention will be needed in creating partnerships and refining skills
that can produce constructive negotiation and mediation.
Environmental Health Education: Reaching Health Care Professionals
We must redouble our efforts to help people make the connection between the environ-
ment and health. This should include the environmental education and training for
health care and public professionals.
s /»
*, ,6
I"
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PART I.
Environmental Attitudes
he 1999 NEETF/Roper Survey investigates the environmental attitudes, knowledge,
and behaviors of adult Americans. This year, the theme of the survey was "How well
prepared are Americans to handle the critical environmental issues of the first part of
the 21 century?" As environmental solutions increasingly depend on the actions of countless
individuals, businesses, and institutions, more will be required of people in their everyday
lives. Unfortunately, the survey shows that Americans are not yet ready for their new roles.
One of the key findings of the survey is that relatively few people are knowledgeable
about the environment, especially when it comes to environmental issues that are likely"
to dominate in the next 15 to 25 years. On issues such as global warming, chemicals in
drinking water, and air pollution issues that the public expresses concern over the
majority of the population is laboring under serious misconceptions. What's more, most
people are largely unaware of how little they know. On key emerging environmental
issues, most Americans will need to catch up, if they are to .under-
stand the coming issues in environmental protection and help play a
role in solving the problems.
Standing on the threshold of the year 2000, most environmental scien-
tists would say we are in for a "sea change" in the nature and scope of
environmental problems. For one thing, we are beginning to understand
how complex and intractable many environmental problems are. Our
responses are attempting to keep pace on a sophisticated technological and scientific level.
Thus, while in the 1970s the focus was on protecting certain species, today we are concerned
with managing whole ecosystems. Ten years ago, we might have had the luxury of focusing
on specific pollutants. Now, we need to better understand the long-term effects of how pol-
lutants interact with other factors in complex eco-systems.
On key emerging
environmental issues,
most Americans will
need to catch up
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
At the same time, many of the principal environmental problems we face today including
air and water pollution result as much from the accumulated actions of countless indi-
viduals and small businesses as from large factories, chemical plants, and government facili-
ties. Without a knowledgeable and motivated population aware of its own responsibilities,
our environmental future looks less bright.
A sound basis of environmental knowledge materially changes the way individuals view envi-
ronmental issues. Knowledge is empowering in several ways. The more knowledge people
possess about the environment, the less likely they are to be alarmed about potential for envi-
ronmental disasters in the future, and the more likely they are to see an issue as being under
their control. Consequently, they are more likely to take action or support actions that will
actually benefit the environment. More knowledge also helps direct people's support toward
larger strategies and policies that are needed to tackle environmental problems.
Ultimately, understanding what Americans know about the environment will help us tailor
educational programs to specific topics and misconceptions, which in turn will help indi-
viduals and their leaders to better understand why laws are passed to protect the environ-
ment and how their actions affect the environment.
The 1999 NEETF/Roper Survey evaluates public attitudes as they exist today and have changed
over time. General attitudes toward the environment have remained stable over the last two or
three years. However, over the eight years in which survey data have been collected on this
subject (see Figure 4, p. 12), the belief that current environmental laws and regulations do not
go far enough is slowly shifting toward the belief that some laws have reached the right bal-
ance between environmental and economic interests. Even with this shift, Americans gener-
ally support additional government programs that address water and air pollution. In fact,
relatively few individuals say current environmental regulations go too far.
Indeed, a significant finding of this year's study is that public support for the environment is
likely to increase in America. Attitudes about environmental issues vary by gender, age, edu-
cation, and region, as discussed below (see box on page 18 and Appendix A). In general,
young people, women, and urban populations are more strongly positive on the environ-
ment. In the next 15 to 25 years, as young people and women assume more positions of
leadership and as increased levels of urbanization and sub-urbanization occur, support for
the environment can be expected to broaden and deepen.
As with the 1997 and 1998 Report Cards, the 1999 NEETF/Roper Survey used a quiz style
format to examine public knowledge of the environment. The 1997 survey examined gen-
eral environmental knowledge. Lastyear's survey investigated ten common myths that Ameri-
cans believe about the environment. The 1999 survey focused primarily on knowledge and
opinions about emerging environmental issues.
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
The survey is based on a nationally representative sample of 1,501 Americans, age 18 and
older, surveyed by Roper Starch Worldwide in May 1999 by telephone. The margin of error
for the sample as a whole is plus or minus two percentage points. A wider variation exists for
subsamples, such as men, women, urban, rural, age cohorts, etc. Only statistically meaning-
ful differences are pointed out in the text.
The rest of this section of the report presents the 1999 survey results on Americans' attitudes and
opinions about the environment. Part II discusses Americans' knowledge of the environment; Part
III reviews the activities that Americans report undertaking that have environmental benefits.
Americans feel that the environment and
the economy can go hand in hand
A majority of Americans (61%) believe that environmental protection and economic devel-
opment can go hand in hand. This view is consistent with the previous seven years of re-
search. (Figure 1) A fairly small minority (27%, up four percentage points from 1995) be-
lieves that a choice must be made between the environment and economic development.
Can Go
Hand in Hand
Must Choose
Between Environment
and Development
Depends/
Don't Know
Question wording: Most of the time, do you think environmental protection and economic development can go hand
in hand, or that we must choose between environmental protection and economic development'?
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Of course, it comes as no surprise that a majority would hold a harmonious view of the
environment and economy moving together, given the economic upswing that we are cur-
rently in. However, there is reason to believe that this positive view has deeper roots, since it
is typical of younger and more educated Americans, and is thus likely to strengthen in the
years ahead. Only half of older Americans (age 65 years or older) are optimistic about the
environment and economy going hand in hand, compared to 63% in the 18-34 age cat-
egory. Similarly, 67% of college-educated Americans were optimistic about this issue, com-
pared to 57% of those with a high school education. These results mean that there may be a
significant opportunity in the early part of the next century to move beyond the polarization
that currently characterizes many public debates on the environment, as the college-edu-
cated proportion of the population ages.
Americans choose the environment
when compromise is not possible
When environmental protection and economic development cannot be reconciled, Ameri-
cans easily chose the environment (70%) over economic development (18%). In fact, the
preference for environmental protection has increased 6 percentage points since 1992. (Fig-
ure 2) Whether this attitude could survive an extended economic recession remains to be
seen, although it remained the majority opinion during the economic downturn of the mid-
Figure 2f Wh£n'''C6m|>rpJpg:'l^Jm^(J)^si.(:i(g,;;.Enyi'rOntrieht Is Favored Oyer jDfevelfl'ljrtierft'
Environmental
Protection
1992
1995
1998
1999
Economic Development
Depends/Don't Know
Question wording: Wfien it is impossible to find, a reasonable compromise between economic development and environ-
mental protection, which do you usually believe is more important: economic development or environmental protection?
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Figure 3: Trend Data: Preference for the Environment Over the Economy, by Gender and Age
Total
Male
Female
18-34
35-44
45-64
65+
o/o
w
o/o
-._.
o/o
o/o
o/o
~76"
o/o
J57
66
1999
1998
66
68
77
77
71
69~
71
6~9
63
74
72
68
W
60
1997
1996
1995
1994
66
58
59_
57
69
£56
62
72
69
75
63
69_
66
70
63
60_
59
60
59
jET
57
42
50
56
64
+2
66
73
_.__.-
61
62
""+9"
1992 64
Change since 1992 +6
64
56
+r
1990s. Again, the preference for the environment is likely to increase in the future as women
and younger people move into more positions of leadership. Figure 3 shows trend data by
gender and age for preferences for the environment over the economy:
Gender: Women (74%) are eight points more likely to choose the environment over,
economic development than are men (66%), an example of the "environmental gender
gap" which will be noted often in this report.
Age: The preference for the environment over the economy was especially strong among
younger respondents (77% of those in the 18-34 age bracket). Even in the 65+ age bracket,
though, over half of Americans (57%) would make the same choice.
Three quarters of Americans reject the notion that
environmental laws and regulations have gone too far
In 1999, 47% of Americans believe that environmental laws'and regulations have "not gone
far enough" while another 29% believe that current laws "strike the right balance." Only
16% of Americans would say that current regulations "go too far." In sum, then, three quar-
ters of Americans feel our environmental laws are either well-balanced or should go further.
These opinions have held steady for the past five years, although earlier in the 1990s, a
larger majority of respondents felt that environmental regulations had not gone far enough
(e.g., 63% in 1992). (Figure 4) Over time, opinions about regulations appear to have evened
out, with a steady increase in the proportion of the public that believes that current environ-
11
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
Not Gone Far
Enough
About the Right
Balance
Gone Too Far
Don't Know
Question wording: There are differing opinions about how far we've gone with environmental protection laws and
regulations. At the present time, do you think environmental protection laws and regulations have gone too far, not
far enough, or have struck about the right balance?
mental laws and regulations strike the right balance. Support for this position has grown
significantly among all age groups since 1992, and among both men (+10 points) and women
(+13 points). Other research confirms that Americans have become more optimistic about
the quality of the natural environment in recent years.
Gender and age are again keys to understanding attitudes on this issue, as they were in
previous years (Figure 5), but other variables also play an interesting role:
Gender: Women are somewhat more likely than men to say thafcurrent laws and regula-
tions do not go far enough (49% vs. 45%), and less likely than men to state that current
laws go too far (13% vs. 19%) or strike the right balance (27% vs. 31%).
Other surveys conducted by Roper Starch confirm a difference in gender on the subject
of government regulation. Men, for example, are more likely than women to say there is
"too much" government regulation of cable television, nuclear energy, fuel economy
standards for cars, and the use of pesticides and herbicides. Women, on the other hand,
are more likely than men to say current laws do not go far enough on toxic waste dis-
2
posal, airline safety, prescription drugs, and the use of pesticides and herbicides. Men
Roper Starch Worldwide Inc., Roper Reports, March 1999.
' Roper Starch Worldwide Inc., Roper Reports, August 1998.
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Figure 5: Attitudes Toward Environmental Laws, by Gender and Age
Attitude
Total
Gone top far
Not far enough
Struck^bout^the right bajance
Don't know
J6
47
29
Male
19
45
31
5
Female
o/o
13
49
27
11
18-34
o/o
11
56
28
5
35-44
o/o
17
47
29
7
45-64
o/o
19
44
30
7
65+
o/o
21
36
29
14
appear to be more optimistic about the quality of the environment;3 this view may lead
some men to suspect that no further regulations are needed to protect the environment.
Age: Support for further environmental regulation is highest among younger Americans
and declines steadily with age. Over half of younger Americans (56%) believe that regu-
lations have not gone far enough, compared to 36% in thp oldest age bracket. Con-
versely, only 11 % of 18-34 year-olds believe that environmental laws and regulations have
gone too far; that figure rises to 21% in the 65-and-over age bracket.
Regions: Regional differences show up most promineritly in the West, where fewer re-
spondents (41%) support additional environmental regulation than elsewhere. In fact,
in the West, 24% believe that regulation has gone too far, compared to 12 to 15% of
respondents in other regions who hold that opinion. Since 1992, support for the "not
gone far enough" position has waned the most in the Midwest (down 18 percentage
points to 46%) and the West (down 18 points to 41%), while decreasing 14 points (to
49%) and 15 points (to 50%) in the Northeast and Midwest, respectively. Support for the
"strike the right balance" view is up 16 percentage points among those living in the Mid-
west and up 12 points among those living in the West and in the Northeast.
Income: Views on environmental regulation also appear to,be inversely related to in-
come level. (Figure 6) A clear majority of people (53%) earning less than $20,000 sup-
ported regulation, compared to only 42% of those who earned $50,000 per year or more.
Correlation with the Role of the Individual: One might suppose that Americans who
see an important role for individuals (see Figure 10) in solving our future environmental
problems would be less inclined to support further regulation. This, however, is not the
case; no significant differences were found between this group and others on this issue.
Roper Starch Worldwide Inc., Roper Reports, March 1999.
13
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Figure 6: Views on Environmental Regulation, by Income
Would pick the environment over the economy
Generally feel that regulation has not gone far enough
Agree we face an environmental catastrophe in the next ten years
72%
53%
57%
650/0
42%
50%
Air and water regulation are
especially important to Americans
Similar attitudes and trends are evident when the public is asked about five specific areas of
regulation: water pollution, air pollution, protection of wild or natural areas, protection of
wetlands, and protection of endangered species of plants, animals and insects. In each case,
more Americans believe that current laws and regulations do not go far enough than believe
that current laws strike the right balance or go too far.
Of the five components mentioned, Americans clearly rank water and air as more important
than the others, presumably for health reasons. (Figure 7) Support for further water and air
protection is at 69% and 62%, respectively, compared to 47% for further environmental
regulation overall. Similar support for air and water protection was found in an August 1998
Roper survey. Support for further wilderness protection drops to 52%, and below 50% for
protection of wetlands and endangered species.
Interestingly, the percentage of respondents who support further environmental laws and
regulations in general (47%) is at the low end of the scale more reflective of the level of
support for the least popular programs. When water and air pollution are specifically men-
tioned, support for further regulation rises another 15 to 22 percentage points.
Nevertheless, even the high level of support for further air and water regulation reflects a
decline of 10 percentage points since 1992. The decreases are most notable .among men,
those living in the West, and those age 65 or older. For both issues, there has been a concur-
rent increase in those saying water and air pollution regulations now strike the right balance
between environmental and economic concerns.
As might be expected, differences exist within gender, region, and age subgroups, and on
the specific issues. Here are some key findings:
Ibid.
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Gone too far
About the right balance, tej Not gone far enough
Not gone far enough
1998 1992
Water Pollution
Air Pollution
Wild or Natural Areas
Wetlands
Endangered Species
72"/o
61
50
46
44
79%
72
59
53
51
Question wording: Thinking now about some specific areas, at the present time, do you think Jaws and regulations for (INSERT
ISSUE) have gone too far, not far enough, or have struck about the right balance? .
Rankings by Demographic Factors
Gender: For both air and water pollution, women opt for the "not gone far enough"
option more often than men, another example of the environmental gender gap. Men
are more likely than women to say that regulations already go too far for endangered
species, wetlands, and air pollution. Men are also 10 percentage points more likely than
women (27% vs. 17%) to say that current laws to prevent water pollution strike the right
balance, and they are six points more likely to state that air pollution laws strike the right
balance (29% vs 23%).
Age: A generation gap is also in evidence regarding attitudes toward specific environ-
mental laws and regulations. Americans age 18-34 are consistently more likely than those
older than 34 to say that current laws for the five specific environmental issues do not go
far enough, while those 65 and over are the most likely to say that current laws go too far
for endangered species, wetlands, and air pollution. Again, as the younger, pro-environ-
ment American population ages, the "not gone far enough" and the "strike the right
balance" positions will likely grow in popularity, perhaps changing the outlook for future
environmental laws and regulations.
Region: Westerners stand out among the regional breakouts as being significantly
more likely to consider current endangered species laws as going too far. This is not
surprising, in light of local concerns and media coverage in recent years of controver-
sies over the Northern Spotted Owl, river trout, and the use of public forest land. One-
quarter of Westerners (26%) are of the opinion.that current regulations go too far,
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Figure 8: Trend Data: Water Pollution Laws "Do Not Go Far Enough," by Gender and Region
Total
o/o
1999 69
1998 72
; 199,7, L_I,ITI ;,,_, ____ 72
1996 73
',- 1995 ' " 70
1994 76
! 1993 77
1992 79
Change in 'Do Not Go -10
Far Enough' since 1992
Change in 'Struck +9
Right Balance' since 1992
Male Female
%
65
69
69
68
66
74
73
78
-13
+11
o/o
72
76
74
78
74
77
80
79
-7
+6
Northeast Midwest South West
o/o
69
68
76
73
76
76
73
76
-7
+9
% ,
63
74
71
76
66
73
73
77
-14
+13
o/o
73
75
72
72
72
78
80
81
-8
+4
o/o
67
70
68
Y 73
68
76
79
80
-13
+11
compared to 19% of those in the South, 16% of those in the Midwest, and just 9% of
those in the Northeast.
Rankings by Environmental Issue
Water Pollution: Support for government regulation of water pollution is consistently
the highest of any environmental issue, with 69% of Americans (72% of women and 65%
of men) saying regulation should go further. (Figure 8) Only 5% of adult Americans
think water quality regulation has gone too far. Although this virtually unanimous level
of support for water regulations might be assumed to be connected to recent public
health scares (Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and other waterborne contaminants), in fact,
support for additional regulation has been decreasing over the last seven years. The
most dramatic decreases in support have been among Americans age 65-and-over (down
20 percentage points); males (down 13 points); residents of Western states (down 13
points); and residents of Midwest states (down 14 points).
Air Pollution: Just 8% of Americans think that air quality regulation has gone too far,
while 62% feel it has not gone far enough. (Figure 9) The greatest difference in support
for air quality regulation is age-related. There is a 15 percentage point difference be-
tween the youngest and oldest age categories 67% of 18-34 year olds support more
regulation, compared to 52% of the 65-and-over group.
llttillL
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1999 NEETFjRoper Report Card
Water Pollution
Of the various environmental threats mentioned, the American public consistently chooses
water pollution as its greatest concern. Over two thirds of Americans (69%) think that water
pollution laws do not go far enough. However, when asked about the most common source of
water pollution, only 24% of Americans selected the correct answer run-off from yards,
streets, lots, and fields. Almost twice as many (44%) still think that waste dumped by factories
is the most common source a fact which may have been true in the past but is no longer the
case (see Part II). This type of misconception can divert the attention of millions of Americans
away from examining their own activities such as their use of pesticides and fertilizer, wash-
ing cars, etc. that may be seriously affecting the surface waters of the country.
Gender differences are also substantial on air quality regulation: 67% of women think
air quality regulation should go further, compared to 56% of men. Not surprisingly,
68% of people who live in urban areas would seek more regulation of air quality
while 57% of those in rural areas support additional air 'regulation. As the nation
becomes less rural and more urban and suburban, this could have a significant ef-
fect on support for anti-pollution regulation.
Figure 9: Trend Data: Air Pollution Laws "Do Not Go Far Enough," by Gender and Age
Total
Male
Female
18-34
35-44
45-64
65+
1999
1998
%
62
56
55
o/o
67
67
61
62
%
62
o/o
52
61
62
66
68
68
71
57
60
51
50
1997
1996
1995
56
58
54
61
65
64
61
71
67
69
70
62
65
58
55
66
50
1994
1993
1992
66
71
62
68
69
73
75
75
76
72
72
-11
63
68
52
61
72
-10
68
-12
76
-9
66
-4
72
-20
Change in 'Do Not Go
Far Enough^since 1992
Change in 'Struck Right
Balance'since 1992
+8
+7
+7
+11
+7
17
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Over the last seven years, support for further air regulation has decreased the most among
three subgroups: Americans age 65-and-over (down 20 percentage points) ; residents of
Western states (down 17 points); and males (down 12 points).
Natural Areas Regulation : For the most part, natural areas regulation has the same level
of support as regulation in general. But looking at age differences again indicates more
support for regulation in the future: a strong majority of 59% of the 18-34 age bracket
believes regulation should go farther while just 41 % of the 65-and-over age group shares
that opinion.
Endangered Species Regulation: This issue has the lowest support of any of the five
examined in the survey with just 42 % of adult Americans saying they think regulation for
species protection should go farther. But, as with natural areas, support is likely to grow
in the early part of the next century. A majority of younger Americans (51%) say regula-
tion should go farther while just 27% of the 65-and-over group have that opinion. Urban
residents are also more likely to support endangered species regulation (47%) than ru-
ral residents (40%).
Wetlands Regulation: Similar patterns were found for wetlands regulation as with regu-
lation in general although there was less of a gender difference.
Americans look to environmental organizations
to solve future environmental problems
As many Americans might point out, government regulation is not the only way to protect
the environment. In a question added to the 1999 NEETF/Roper Survey, respondents were
asked to rate five entities or groups on the extent to which each can be relied on to solve the
nation's worst environmental problems. Of the five, environmental organizations were con-
sidered the most reliable, with 46% of respondents saying .these organizations can be relied
on "a good deal." (Figure 10) This compares to ratings of 38% ;for citizen groups, 37% for
individuals, and 32% for government agencies. At the bottom are private businesses, which
only 25% of the public consider to be a reliable source of solutions for the nation's worst
environmental problems.
The lower scores for government and industry are somewhat ironic in that a great deal of
the environmental progress made in the past 30 years has been due to the regulation of
industry. The relatively low score for government is also surprising in light of the fact that
much of the public still feels that environmental regulations do not go far enough.
To interpret these responses, it may be helpful to reflect on trends in other public policy
issues, including retirement planning and welfare vs. workfare. Americans may be realiz-
ing the limits of government action and reverting back to an earlier notion that, given
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Figure 10: Extent to Which Groups Cffi,BeRelied Upon to Solve' EhyiWl1r/}e|il|l
Not at all
Not very much
A fair amount
A good deal -
Environmental
Organizations
Citizens Groups
Individuals
Governmental
Agencies
Private Businesses
Question wording: In the future, to what extent do you think each of the following sources can be relied on to solve our worst
environmental problems? Would you say (READ ITEM) could be relied on a good deal, a fair amount, not very much, or not
at all to solve our most serious environmental problems ?
the right tools, individuals can address their own problems and meet their own needs
without government assistance. If so, the favorable view of individuals, citizen groups, and
environmental groups could herald a very welcome new level of local and civic involve-
ment in environmental issues and new solutions beyond legislation and regulation, at a
time when some of the most intractable environmental problems are indeed associated
with individual behavior.
The ratings for this question were consistent across most demographic subgroups. Only the
ratings for environmental organizations showed variability by age, gender, and region. For
example, in line with their generally more pro-environmental position, respondents age 18-
34 were the most likely (53%) to say that environmental organizations can be relied on "a
good deal" to solve environmental problems. This approval rating fell to 46% for those age
35-44, 43% for those 45-64, and 37% for those age 65-and-over. Similarly, women showed
greater belief in environmental organizations than did men, 50% vs. 41%. By region, those
living in the Northeast (52%) were more likely than those in the South (47%), Midwest
(45%) or West (41%) to say environmental organizations can be relied on a good deal to
solve the worst environmental problems.
Americans weigh the seriousness of emerging issues
In order to see how prepared Americans are to address the emerging environmental issues
in the first part of the 21st century, it is useful to determine how concerned they are about
such issues, as well as how their views compare with commonly accepted views of scientists
on what are likely to be the most critical issues in the future.
m .:
Si; ,. ,:, .L, I
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
To that end, the 1999 NEETF/Roper Survey looked at seven environmental issues likely to
be at the top of the public policy agenda over the next 15 to 25 years. The issues are: climate
change, loss of animal and plant species, cutting of large forests, freshwater shortages, air
pollution, water pollution, and population increase.
Four issues were rated 'Very serious" by two-thirds or more of the American public: polluted
water (74%); air pollution (69%); freshwater shortages (68%); and' cutting of large forests
(66%). (Figure 11) Two others were named as very serious by at least one in two Americans
population increases (59%) and the loss of animal and plant species (50%). Only climate
change was considered very serious by less than a majority of respondents (40%).
Polluted Water: Poor water quality is recognized by 74% of Americans as a key issue of
the future.
Air Pollution: Scientists would agree with the 69% of respondents who ranked this issue
as "very serious." Air quality is a major issue for both industrial and developing nations,
and the trend is expected to continue.
Freshwater Shortages: Nearly 7 in 10 Americans (68%) see this as a very serious issue
even though North America is the richest continent in the world with respect to freshwa-
ter resources. Scientists and policy leaders would agree that water supplies will be a major
Polluted Water
Air Pollution
Freshwater Shortages
Cutting of Large Forests
Population Increases
Loss of Animal
and Plant Species
Climate Change
,40
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
global environmental issue in the next century and this perception also seems to be held
by the American public.
" Cutting of Large Forests: Fully 66% of Americans see this as a very serious issue in our
future. This is a much higher rating than either climate change or loss of species, al-
though it is related to both. Scientific evidence suggests that the existence of large forests
is critical to species survival and may have a significant positive effect on lowering green-
house gases associated with global climate change. Media attention to the loss of tropical
rain forests across the world and debates over cutting of old growth forests in North
America may contribute to the public's perception of the seriousness of this issue.
Population Growth: Seen by most environmental scientists as the greatest challenge of
the coming century, population is rated as very serious by 59% of adult Americans. World
population recently reached the 6 billion mark as compared to 1 billion in the year
1900 and the demands of population growth and increasing industrialization are ex-
pected to place enormous stresses on the environment in the next 15 to 25 years.
Loss of Animal and Plant Species: Half of Americans (50%) believe this is a 'very seri-
ous' rating, and another 34% say it is "somewhat serious." Conservation biologists world-
wide are concerned with increasing rates of species extinction; a majority of Americans
agree with them.
Climate Change: Forty percent of Americans rate this as a very serious problem for the
future while another 37% think of it as somewhat serious. Scientists are nearly unani-
mous that global climate change is a real phenomenon that could have detrimental ef-
fects on health, the economy, and the quality of life worldwide. However, doubts about
global climate change have been given considerable play in the media, which could ac-
count for the relatively low (40%) "very serious" rating given to the issue. Alternatively,
||M
? I
ill i in ill i li i i "
Air Pollution
i1 i i
A substantial majority of Americans (62%) believe that air quality regulation has not
gone far enough, while an even larger percentage (69%) rank air pollution as a 'Very
serious" issue over the next 15 to 25 years. All the more surprising, then, is the fact
that only 28% of Americans know that most of the nation's electricity is produced
from polluting sources such as burning coal, oil, and wood. More Americans (37%)
think that hydropower is the leading method of electricity production. In fact, water
power accounts for approximately 10% of America's power needs. As debates over
i 111)111 11 in 11 i i niii in in i "i,ni , .,."., i A
dirty power plants and the deregulation of the utility industry proceeds, Americans
will need to brush up on the facts in order to make the right decisions.
22
II 'I, 1
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
respondents might have felt that climate change is very serious, but that its effects will
not be felt in the timeframe indicated (15 to 25 years), or the issue itself might not be
understood well enough by respondents.
Many Americans foresee some type of
"environmental catastrophe" in the next decade
Concern about the planet's future remains high. A majority of Americans (56%) believe
that we may be headed for an environmental catastrophe in the not-too-distant future. (Fig-
ure 12) This sentiment is reflected in the majority of Americans who agree with the follow-
ing statement: 'The next 10 years are the last decade when humans will have a chance to
save the earth from environmental catastrophe." This attitude is statistically unchanged
from 1998 and down three points from 1997, evidence that concern about the earth's envi-
ronmental future continues but is not increasing.
Interestingly, a full 40% of those who believe that environmental regulation has gone too far still
feel that catastrophe looms in the next decade (vs. 65% of those who say current regulations do
not go far enough). As in the past, women are more likely than men (59% vs. 53%) to agree that
an environmental catastrophe could occur in the next ten years if something is not done to
protect the planet. Concern about catastrophe decreases from 58% among those with a high
school education to 50% of those with a college degree. Conversely, 46% of college-educated
respondents disagree with the statement while 37% of high school grads disagree.
"The next ten years are the
last decade when humans will
have a chance to save the
earth from environmental
catastrophe."
,
Agree Disagree
^^^^^^I^HHI 390/0 \
Agree
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997* 1998 1999
490/o 510/0 520/o 470/o 480/o 590/o 5?o/o 56°/o
*Prior to 1997, statement was asked as "The 1990's is the last decade when humans will have a chance to save the earth from the
environmental catastrophe. "
23
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Americans fail to grasp the importance
of environment in global security
In 1997, Secretary of State Warren Christopher delivered a speech noting that environ-
mental issues would be a major, if not the major, global security issue of the next century.
Factors contributing to its importance include rapid world population growth, significant
rates of industrialization of formerly agricultural nations, and increased pollution and
competition for resources. The 1999 NEETF/Roper Survey looked directly at this ques-
tion to gauge public perception of the effect the environment could have on national and
global security in the 21 century.
Americans were asked about several possible factors that could cause outbreaks of war and
conflict. The results (shown in Figure 13) indicate that environmental factors (such as dis-
putes over water rights) are seen as a very important cause of conflict by only 32% of Ameri-
cans. Economic factors, racial tension, and territorial/border issues were each considered
very important by a much larger 58% of Americans.
Figure 13: Views on Causes of War and Conflict
Factor ;-' .. * :i " , : * ,:.*,!' !; ; -< * : x^\Mi.^mii*'sm ' v .; i v ,:;. , ?;| ||f^
,: . .4 .. . , t^'iJ^fc^i&v&tSMy! tL*<.itelr4ft!fe>*fs!
Economic factors
Racial tension
Territorial or border issues
Environmental factors
Language barriers
58
58
58
32
22
. : , « i:-;ff-
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PART 11.
Environmental Knowledge
n understanding of the environment of tomorrow begins with an understanding of
the environment of today. But how much do Americans really know about,the
natural environment they encounter every day, and how much do they know about
the emerging environmental issues of tomorrow? The 1999 NEETF/Roper Survey set out to
measure what Americans know and what they think they know. -. _
Most Americans say they know
"a fair amount" about the environment...
Americans seem convinced that they have a sound knowledge of environmental issues
and problems, as they have for the last four years (Figure 14). About 69% of the American
public rate themselves as having either "a lot" (10%) or "a fair amount" (59%) of knowl-
edge about environmental issues and problems. As in the past, men (74%) are more
likely than women (66%) to report they have at least a fair amount of environmental
knowledge. Younger Americans are more confident of their environmental knowledge
approximately 70% of respondents under the age of 65 reported that they know at
least a fair amount about environmental issues and problems, compared to 61% among
those 65 or older.
... But they don't!
Unfortunately, the level of knowledge that Americans have on environmental subjects does
not match up to what they think they know. On seven of ten questions asked in the 1999
NEETF/Roper Survey about emerging environmental issues, more Americans gave an in-
correct answer than answered correctly. The average was 3.2 correct answers out of 10 ques-
1-25
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
Practically nothing
Only a little
A fair amount
A lot
Question wording: In general, how much do you feel you know about environmental issues and problems would you say
you know a lot, a fair amount, only a little, or practically nothing?
tions. Figure 15 shows the percentage of respondents answering correctly on each of the 10
questions about emerging environmental issues. All of the issues have been covered in the
media in recent years.
Several important points emerge from the data:
Self-perceptions: Those who tfiink they know a lot about the environment and environ-
mental issues do, in fact, score better than those who say they know only a little or practi-
cally nothing about the environment although even the "know a lot" group averaged
just 4.0 correct answers (compared to 3.2 overall).
Gender: Men are more likely than women to correctly answer seven of the 10 questions
although men averaged just 3.7 correct answers, women averaged only 2.7.
Education: Americans with a college degree are more likely than those with a high
school education or less to give the correct answer although even those with a college
degree averaged just 4.0 correct answers. (See the section below for a more complete
discussion of education levels and environmental knowledge.)
Age: Despite their pro-environment sentiments, 18-34 year olds averaged 3.1 correct
answers, slightly above the 2.6 correct answers among the 65-and-older group, but slighdy
lower than the 3.4 correct answers given by diose in the 35-44 and 45-64 age brackets.
These results lead us to believe that improved communication and dissemination of infor-
mation about the environment should eventually improve actual knowledge. Clearly, die
data show diat much work needs to be done.
f*26 *
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Most common reason an
animal species becomes extinct
Greatest threat posed by
waste disposal areas
Main cause of global climate change
Primary method that chemicals
and minerals enter human body
How most electricity in
the United States is generated
Primary reason for worldwide
reduction in ocean fish
Most common source
of water pollution
Greatest source of landfill material
Percentage of world's water that
is fresh and available for use
Leading cause of
childhood death worldwide
Percent Responding
Specific quiz responses
Most Common Reason an Animal Species Becomes Extinct
Surprisingly, this issue received the highest number of correct responses, of any of the 10
questions. Over-two-thirds (70%) of respondents correctly replied that extinction is most
commonly caused by the destruction of animal habitats by humans. On this issue, however,
knowledge does not necessarily appear to lead to support for example, as noted earlier,
endangered species regulation received the lowest amount of support among issue areas.
(See Figure 7 on page 15.) For this emerging issue, then, the challenge will be to turn
knowledge into action, so that people see wedands and other animal habitats not as threats
to private property but as a way to protect animal species from extinction.
Greatest Environmental Threat Posed by Toxic Waste Disposal Areas
Perhaps two of the most frightening words in the environmental lexicon are "toxic waste."
American communities are home to thousands of waste disposal sites that hold toxic waste.
A slim majority of Americans know why waste disposal sites can be hazardous to human
27
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Test Your Knowledge!
How is most of the electricity in the U.S. generated? Is it: Survey
a. By burning oil, coal, and wood
b. With nuclear power
c. Through solar energy
d. At hydro electric power plants?
Don't know
What is the most common cause of pollution of streams, rivers, and oceans?
Is it...
a. Dumping of garbage by cities
b. Surface water running off yards, city streets, paved lots, and farm fields
c. Trash washed into the ocean from beaches
d. Waste dumped by factories?
Don't know
What do you think is the main cause of global climate change,
that is, the warming of the planet Earth? Is it...
a. A recent increase in oxygen in the atmosphere
b. Sunlight radiating more strongly through a hole in the upper ozone layer
c. More carbon emissions from autos, homes, and industry
d. Increased activity from volcanoes worldwide?
Don't know
To the best of your knowledge, what percentage of the world's water is
fresh and available for use? Is it...
a. 1%
b. 5%
c. 10%
d. 33%?
Don't know
The current worldwide reduction in the number of ocean fish is PRIMARILY
due to which of the following:
a. Pollution in coastal waters worldwide
b. Increased harvesting by fishing vessels
c. Changes in ocean temperature
d. Loss of fishing shoals and other deep sea habitats
Don'tknow
What is the leading cause of childhood death worldwide? Is it...
a. Malnutrition and starvation
b. Asthma from dust in the air
c. Auto and home accidents
d. Germs in the water
Don't know
Response
28%
14
4
37
18
17%
24
5
44
9
5%
26
45
5
19
13%
20
27
17
23
40%
25
12
6
16
60%
4
17
7
12
continued on the following page
28
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
7. What is the most common reason that an animal species become
extinct? Is it because..'.
a. Pesticides are killing them
b. Their habitats are being destroyed by humans
c. There is too much hunting
d. There are climate changes that affect them?
Don't know
Survey Response
70
8
6
7
8. There are thousands of waste disposal areas - dumps and landfills in the U.S. that
hold toxic waste. The greatest threat posed by these waste dispoal areas is:
a. Chemical air pollution 19%
b. Contact with farm animals and household pets 5
c. Contamination of water supplies 52
d. Human consumption through contaminated food 6
Don't know 17
9. Many communities are concerned about running out of room in their community
trash dumps and landfills. Is the greatest source of landfill material...
a. Disposable diapers 28%
b. Lawn and garden clippings, trimmings, and leaves 8
c. Paper products including newspapers, cardboard, and packaging 23
d. Glass and plastic bottles and aluminum and steel cans ' 28
Don't know 12
10. Some scientists have expressed concern that chemicals and certain minerals accumu
late in the human body at dangerous levels. Do these chemicals and minerals enter
the body PRIMARILY through...
a. Breathing air . 32%
b. Living near toxic waste dumps 11
c. Household cleaning products 10
d. Drinking water 31
Don't know , 16
'POL '36 '38 'q£ 'P9 'qs 'efr '3£ 'q
:s43/wsuv P3JJOO
health, with 52% correctly answering "contamination of water supplies." This is one of the
few questions answered correctly by a majority of Americans. Seepage of toxic chemicals
into streams and water tables is more likely than chemical air pollution (the answer given by
19%), consumption through contaminated food (6%), or contact with farm animals and
household pets (5%).
Main Cause of Global Climate Change
Less than half of the American public realize that the cars they drive and the amenity-rich
homes in which they live contribute to global climate change through increased carbon
emissions. Among the general population, a plurality (45%) correctly identify emissions
from autos, homes, and industries as the main cause of global climate change.
29
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Climate Change
Although 77% of Americans rated this as a somewhat or very serious problem for the
future, they gave it the lowest score in terms of seriousness of seven environmental
problems included in the survey. Only 45% of Americans realize that the cars they
"Strive" to work or for errands, and the electricity-happy appliances that they buy are
responsible for carbon emissions that are bringing about global climate change. Al-
though global climate change has received considerable media coverage in the last
few years, the controversies and complexities of the phenomenon may have helped to
obscure its causes. In addition, it is possible that people associate global issues to-
gether without careful distinction. Thus, one-quarter (26%) of Americans placed the
blame for global climate change" on sunlight radiating more strongly through a hole
i& the upper atmosphere, another issue of global significance but much more tangen-
tially related to global climate change. Clearly, a good deal more environmental edu-
Stion will be needed to reach Americans as a whole on this emerging issue.
Primary Source for Chemicals and Minerals that Enter the Human Body
The impact of pollutants on human physiological systems is a growing concern and one that
could loom large in our future. Scientists are expressing concerns about die accumulation ,
in our bodies of a variety of chemicals encountered in the environment, from benzene in
gasoline to mercury in fish to lead in drinking water.
Approximately one-third of the public (31%) correctly identifies drinking water as the
primary source for the ingestion of chemicals and minerals.
Another third (32%) wrongly says that unhealthy chemicals enter the human body pri-
marily through the air people breathe.
That these two answers receive similar support indicates the public's knowledge that water :
and air pollution can be dangerous if they contain pollutants. Nevertheless, Americans have
not received sufficient information to differentiate between the two sources of pollution
and perhaps do not understand the importance of water as a medium for ingestion.
i
Source of Most Electricity
Energy consumption is on the rise as households purchase appliances and computers which
consume large amounts of electricity. Deregulation of the energy industry, which has al-
ready begun hi a number of states, is likely to reduce the cost of electricity for many users,
while also giving consumers the ability to choose how their electricity is generated. The
method of generating electricity has enormous effects on the environment, depending on
whether it uses renewable sources (such as solar, wind, or hydro power), or fuels (such
30
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
as coal, wood, and oil) which contribute to air pollution and global warming. Understand-
ing the sources of electricity generation will be important if Americans are to make environ-
mentally-friendly choices.
Only 28% of Americans know that most of the nation's electricity (some 70% of all elec-
tricity) is produced from sources such as burning coal, oil, and wood. This level is statis-
tically unchanged from the 27% who gave this response in 1998.
Surprisingly, 37% of Americans see hydropower (dams) as our leading method of elec-
tricity production, despite the fact that water power accounts for approximately 10% of
America's power needs. This misunderstanding may stem from the public's associating
electricity with major hydroelectric dams in the West, and it may lead the public to sup-
port erroneous positions in the global warming debate over greenhouse gas emissions.
This issue will be useful to revisit in the next few years as deregulation takes hold, to see if
Americans become more aware of their energy sources.
Primary Reason for Worldwide Reduction in Ocean Fish
Most experts agree that ocean fish populations are declining, and governments at the fed-
eral and state level are enacting limits on the harvesting of ocean fish to reduce the deple-
tion of fish populations. However, information about this issue is not reaching the public.
Only 25% of Americans can correctly identify increased harvesting by fishing vessels as
the primary cause of the reduction in the number of ocean fish.
Instead, four Americans in ten (40%) place the main blame on pollution in coastal wa-
ters, while just over one in ten (12%) say changes in ocean temperatures are at fault.
Importantly, Americans residing on the coasts of the United States (West, 30%; North-
east, 28%) are somewhat more informed about this issue than those living in the interior
(Midwest, 23%; South, 22%), an indication that the local nature of a problem shapes the
public's environmental knowledge.
Most Common Source of Water Pollution
This question investigates Americans' understanding of the effects of precipitation run-off
from farm fields, roads, parking lots, and lawns. This kind of pollution called "non-point
source pollution" is the leading cause of water pollution in America today and is expected
to increase in magnitude and import because it is so difficult to address through such conven-
tional approaches as regulation and permits. Although Americans routinely identify clean and
safe water as a top priority, many do not realize that local pollution of streams and rivers has a
substantial effect on water quality. The lack of understanding of water pollution and its major
causes particularly the role of individuals and small businesses in non-point source pollu-
tion stands as an impediment to appropriate policies and grassroots action.
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Only one American in four (24%, up significantly from 19% in 1997) knows that run-off
is the leading cause of pollution of streams, rivers and oceans. Almost twice as many
(44%) think the most common form of water pollution is waste dumped by factories,
which was probably true over the last several decades. Another 17% of Americans believe
garbage dumping by cities is the main cause of water pollution.
As with most knowledge questions, education level makes a significant difference. Thirty-
five percent of college grads answered correctly, while 20% of high school graduates got
it right. On the other hand, as in previous years, college grads seem just as drawn to the
conventional myth ("factories") as high school graduates (41% vs. 46%), indicating the
strength of the prevailing notion.
Gender and age differences on this issue were similar to other issues. For example, 28%
of men answered correctly while 20% of women got it right. A quarter of those under age
65 answered correctly, compared to 19% of those 65-and-over.
One interesting fact is that while 20% of urban dwellers answer this question correctly, 26%
of rural residents got it right even though urban residents have slightly higher education
levels. This may be a reflection of awareness of agricultural run-off in rural areas.
Greatest Source of Landfill Material
In some parts of the nation, garbage and its disposal are emerging as an important civil and
environmental issue. Many communities have enacted recycling laws in an attempt to re-
duce the amount of garbage sent to landfills or incinerators.
Despite recycling laws and the beginning of a switch to a paper-free society, paper prod-
ucts are still the number one source of landfill material across America. However, only
about one American in four (23%) knows this fact, while 28% incorrectly think that
disposable diapers are the greatest threat to our crowded landfills.
Surprisingly, another 28% (up from 22% in 1998) say that glass and plastic bottles and alumi-
num and steel cans are the largest source of landfill material. This result contradicts the fact
that these are the most heavily recycled items. It may be that mandatory recycling of these
items leads people to think that they contribute greatly to landfill material, or the association
of these items with recycling might also lead respondents to associate them with landfills.
Fresh Water Available for Use
The availability of abundant, clean water may be one of the most troubling questions
Americans will face in the future. In arid regions of this country, water shortages are al-
ready a significant issue. Just 1% of the world's water is fresh water, and nearly one half of
that is situated on the North American continent. This means that competition will be
fierce in most other nations and water could become a leading environmental concern
for the 21st century.
32
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
In what turned out to be the second-most difficult question in the quiz, just 13% of Ameri-
cans know that only 1 % of the world's water is fresh and available for use. This may reflect
a lack of interest or concern about global phenomena that do not impact all Americans.
The misconception that there is more drinking water available than actually exists (64% gave
an incorrect response) may make Americans less concerned aboutwater conservation. Ironi-
cally, even though those who live in the American West are reminded of water needs daily,
they did not have a significantly greater knowledge of this issue than respondents in any
other region.
Leading Cause of Childhood Death Worldwide
As in 1998, the role of the environment in childhood death worldwide was the least under-
stood of any of the environmental issues addressed in the 1999
NEETF/Roper Survey. Public health officials around the world
have documented that millions of children die each year as a
result of germs in water supplies. These germs often cause gas-
trointestinal disease which in turn leads to dehydration and
even starvation.
The role of the environment
in childhood death
worldwide was the least
understood of any of the
environmental issues.
Only 7% of the American public understands that contaminated
water is the chief culprit. The majority of Americans (60%) be-
lieve it is a lack of food, rather than contaminated water, that
causes most childhood deaths. This response likely reflects the
fact that images of famine and children starving are much more common on television than
waterborne diseases.
Importantly, this misconception has increased 5 percentage points since 1998. This lack
of understanding may prevent Americans from supporting much-needed assistance to
clean water programs in developing countries.
The higher the knowledge of the
environment, the greater the level of support
Recent NEETF/Roper Surveys have revealed a strong relationship between levels of actual
environmental knowledge and environmental attitudes. This is important because of the
interrelationships between knowledge, concern, and action. As environmental knowledge
increases, pro-environmental attitudes and concerns about the state of the environment
also tend to increase, and so do actions on behalf of the environment. Higher levels of
knowledge also correspond somewhat to higher income and education levels. Figure 16
shows that knowledge of emerging issues was higher among college graduates than among
high school graduates and those with some college.
--
I 33
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Figure 16: Percent Answering Environmental Knowledge Questions Correctly, by Education
Bill Illill
Total
o/o
! Most common reason an animal species becomes extinct 70
Greatest threat posed by waste disposal areas 52
; Main cause of global climate change 45
Primary method that chemicals and minerals enter human body 31
" How most electricity in the United States is generated 28
Primary reason for worldwide reduction in ocean fish 25
i Most common source of water pollution 24
Greatest source of landfill material .23
Percentage of world's water that is fresh and available for use 13
Leading cause of childhood death worldwide 7
,. AVERAGE NUMBER 0? CORRECT RESPONSES ' 3.2~
JJIiE'llliB
BiBll^^
IIPBflllllBIIISllIII
High school
graduate or less
%
66
46
39
26
21
20
20
21
10
6
2.7
MHNMIBHI
ducation , ;it
iJi
Some college
graduate
o/o
76
54
53
36
29
29
26
26
16
7
3.5
1
in
College
or more
o/o
74
67
51
37
43
34
35
29
18
11
4.0
Further analysis of the 1999 NEETF/Roper Survey results was done by examining the
attitudes of respondents according to how many questions they got right on the quiz.
(Figure 17) Respondents were split into three groups: a high-knowledge group who gave
five or more correct responses to the quiz (22% of the participants); an average-knowl-
edge group with 3 or 4 correct answers (39%); and a low-knowledge group with two or
fewer correct responses (39%). Following is a discussion of the attitudes of these three
groups on key questions in the survey.
» Can the environment and the economy go hand in hand? Two-thirds of both the
high-knowledge group (65%) and the average-knowledge group (64%) believe that a
balance can be found between the environment and the economy, well above the 55%
response on the part of the low-knowledge group. It should be noted that 12% of the
low-knowledge group had no opinion on this issue, compared to just 2% of the high-
knowledge group.
If you must choose, would you pick the environment or the economy? Environmen-
tal knowledge did not affect opinions on this issue. At least two-thirds of each group
picked die environment over the economy: 68% of the high-knowledge group; 74% of
the average-knowledge group; and 68% of the low-knowledge group.
34
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Figure 17: Environmental Attitudes and Activities, by Knowledge Group
- Attitude:
Agree the environment and economy can go hand in hand
Would pick the environment over the economy
Generally feel that regulation has not gone far enough
Air regulation has reached the right balance
Water regulation has reached the right balance
Agree we face an environmental
catastrophe in the next ten years
Frequent participation in activities:
Recycling
Avoid use of lawn and garden chemicals
65°/o
68%
48°/o
31%
27%
51°/o
71o/o
460/o
640/o
' 740/0
500/o
280/o
220/o
590/o
64%
40%
550/0
68%
430/o
21%
190/o
550/o
61 OA
340/0
Have environmental regulations gone too far, not far enough, or achieved the right
balance? The most telling difference across knowledge groups was on the question of
whether regulations have not gone far enough: 48% of the high-knowledge group and
50% of the average-knowledge group see regulations as not going far enough, compared
to 43% of the low-knowledge group. The same proportion (15%) of both high and aver-
age-knowledge groups agree on whether overall environmental regulation has gone too
far, and there is no statistical difference with the low-knowledge group (17%). A third of
the high-knowledge group, 29% of the average group, and 28% of the low group say that
the right balance has already been achieved overall.
Air pollution regulation: While majorities of Americans in all three knowledge groups
believe that current regulations to fight air pollution do not go far enough, support for
the "strike the right balance" position decreases as environmental knowledge decreases:
31% of high-knowledge Americans say current laws have achieved a balance between
environmental and other concerns, compared to 28% of average-knowledge Americans
who hold this opinion and 21% of the low-knowledge group.
Water pollution regulation: As with air pollution regulations, majorities of Ameri-
cans in all three knowledge groups believe that current regulations to fight water pol-
lution do not go far enough, while,small minorities of each group say that laws already
go too far. Again, support for the "strike the right balance" position decreases as envi-
ronmental knowledge decreases: 27% of the high-knowledge group say that current
35
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
laws balance environmental and other concerns, compared to 22% of average-knowl-
edge Americans who hold this opinion and 19% of the low-knowledge group.
Regulation of wetlands, wild or natural areas, and endangered species: There were
no significant differences among the knowledge groups regarding current regulations
for wetlands, wild and natural areas, or endangered species.
Who can be relied on to solve environmental problems? There were no significant
differences between the knowledge groups on four of the five entities listed in the ques-
tion. Only for government agencies was a trend evident, with 28% of the high-knowledge
group and 29% of the average-knowledge group saying government agencies can be
relied on a good deal, a figure that rose to 37% among the low-knowledge group.
Environmental catastrophe: When asked whether the next ten years are our last chance
to avoid a major environmental catastrophe, 51% of the high-knowledge group agreed,
slightly lower than the figures for the average-knowledge group (59%) or the low-knowl-
edge group (55%).
Seriousness of environmental problems in the future: When asked how serious sev-
eral environmental problems will be in the next 15 to 25 years, on four of the seven issues
the seriousness rating rose among respondents with less environmental knowledge. This
was true for freshwater shortages (61 % high group; 69% average; 71 % low), air pollution
(55%, 71%, 74%), the loss of animal and plant species (40%, 51%, 56%), and climate
change (29%, 42%, 46%). Only for the cutting of large forests did the "very serious"
rating trend downward as environmental knowledge decreased (69% to 63%).
Rate of participation in activities: Differences in environmental activities reported
(see Part III for more discussion) emerged across knowledge groups in two of the eight
environmental activities queried: recycling of newspapers, cans, and glass (71% high
group; 64% average group; 61% low group); and avoiding the use of chemicals in the
yard or garden (46%, 40%, and 34%).
36
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PART III.
Environmental Activities
Ithough they may not realize it, many Americans perform activities each day that
benefit the environment in some way. This section of the report describes
these activities and discusses how actions relate to beliefs and knowledge about;
the environment.
Americans take actions that benefit the
environment but are cutting back slightly
There are many activities people can perform which directly or indirectly benefit the envi-
ronment. Asked how often they do each of eight activities that benefit the environment, a
majority of Americans perform four of them "frequently." (Figure 18) One of the simplest
behaviors tops the list 83% report that they frequently turn off lights and electrical appli-
ances when not in use. Do people consciously do this to benefit the environment or to save
money on their electric bill? As far as the environment is concerned, it doesn't matter.
Using less electricity protects the environment by reducing the need for power generation
at electric plants, many of which burn pollutant-heavy oil or coal to produce energy.
Whether by law or of their own volition, 64% of Americans say they frequently recycle news-
papers, cans and glass. Majorities of Americans also say they frequently try to cut down on
the amount of trash their household creates (57%) and conserve water in their homes and
yards (59%).
I-----
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
1998 1997
Turn off lights and electrical
appliances when not in use
Use other types of transportation, such as
biking or the bus, instead of driving your car
Conserve water in your home and yard
Try to cut down on the amount
of trash and garbage you create
Buy biodegradable or recyclable products
Avoid using chemicals in your yard and garden
Recycle things such as
newspapers, cans and glass
Participate in a public land clean-up day
Percent Responding
Question wording: Now I would like to ask you about some of the things you may do in your day-to-day life. For each of the following
things, would you please tett me whether you never do it, sometimes do it, or frequently do it.
Surprisingly, the proportion of Americans saying they turn off lights, try to reduce the
amount of garbage they produce, or purchase biodegradable products is down several
percentage points from previous years. The reason for these changes is unclear. Roper's
Green Gauge service finds a similar decrease in the proportion of Americans regularly
engaging in several environmental activities.
Interestingly, the activities that Americans perform most frequently that benefit the envi-
ronment have two things in common. First, they can be done easily at home. Second, they
are not necessarily linked just with the environment but have an economic dimension as
well. In fact, fewer than two Americans in ten say they frequently try to avoid using chemi-
cals in their yards or gardens or participate in public land clean-up days, the two activities
on the list that would clearly be perceived as benefitting the environment.
According to the survey results (Figure 19), women put their pro-environment beliefs into
action. In every category of action, women report performing environmental activities
more frequently than men. The largest differences across the genders are in cutting down
on trash and garbage (10 percentage point difference) and conserving water (8 percent-
age point difference).
Roper Starch Worldwide Inc., Green Gauge 1999.
38
1
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Total
Male
Female
o/o
86
Tu£n off llghtsjmdjelectrical appliancesj/vheji not injjse
Recycle things such as newspaper, cans and glass
83
64
_?°L
62
66
63
Conserve water in your home and yard
_59_
57
55
52
Try to cut down on the amount of trash and garbage you create
62
51
Buy b i ode gja da ble£r_re^clab I e JDTO du cts
Avoid using chemicals in your yard and garden
46
39
15"
40
37
14
41
16
Use other types of transportation, such as biking
or the bus, instead of driyingj/ourj:ar _ _ _
Participate in a public land clean-up day
10
12
Americans with more environmental
knowledge take action more frequently
For all but one of the eight environmental activities listed, the likelihood that people per-
form the activities frequently increases with self-reported environ-
mental knowledge. (Figure 20) The exception is turning off lights
and appliances, where those with only a little or a fair amount of
environmental knowledge report taking action more frequently
than those with a lot of knowledge.
In general, though, people reporting a lot of environmental knowl-
edge seem to be only mildly more knowledgeable than their peers,
but substantially more committed to the environment and to tak-
ing action in support of it. To some degree, then, self-reported
environmental knowledge may be a proxy for concern for the en-
vironment. People in this category translate their additional knowl-
edge and substantial concern into action. They are more likely
than average to recycle, conserve water, buy recyclable and biodegradable products, refrain
from driving, avoid using chemicals in their yards, and participate in a cleanup day.
People reporting a lot of
environmental knowledge
are substantially more
committed to the environ-
ment and to taking action
in support of it.
There are many ways of interpreting this result. It may be that the primary motivation for turning off lights is saving money.
Among people with a lot of environmental knowledge, the motivation may not be as high because they may be more likely to
have energy-saving appliances that power down automatically, or compact fluorescent light bulbs that should not be turned
off and on frequently.
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Figure 20: Activities Done Frequently in Day-to-Day Life that Benefit
the Environment, by Self-Reported Environmental Knowledge
Total
%
; Turn off lights and electrical 83
; appliances when not in use
Recycle newspaper, cans and glass 64
: Conserve water in your home and yard 59
Try to cut down on the amount 57
of trash and garbage you create
j Buy biodegradable or recyclable products 46
Avoid using chemicals in yard and garden 39
! Use other types of transportation; biking 15
I of1 the bus, instead of driving your car
Participate in a public land clean-up day 10
A lot
o/o
78
77
65
57
57
48
23
18
A fair amount
O/o
85
66
60
59
46
40
16
10
Little/practically
nothing
o/o
83
57
55
54
40
34
12
8
Increasing the commitment of Americans to the environment is thus extremely important.
But equally or more important is increasing the knowledge that Americans have about envi-
ronmental issues. Greater knowledge will lead to deliberative action, and especially to actions
which can have a major impact on the environment. As the opportunities and need for indi-
vidual action on the environment increase, so too is there a need for Americans to understand
the choices open to them and the effects of their own behaviors on the environment.
Knowing how electricity is generated, for example, will be important as Americans have the
opportunity to select an energy source under the new deregulated utility industry. Ameri-
cans need to understand that run-off is the primary source of pollution in streams and riv-
ers, but also how that run-off happens from agriculture to washing their cars. Making a
difference on global warming can only happen if the public understands where greenhouse
gases come from and how their own use of cars and electricity creates emissions.
Americans clearly have the capacity to understand environmental issues. The fact that most
Americans answered correctly that habitat loss is the main reason behind animal species becom-
ing extinct suggests that even complex issues that are explained in a common sense, tangible way
can hit a chord. The challenge ahead is to "bring home" other environmental issues. The need
for Americans to understand the choices and impacts ahead of them has never been greater.
si - i
V 4
*},.
-------
Conclusion and Recommendations
In the eight years of the NEETF/Roper Surveys, some measures of environmental knowl-
edge, attitudes, and behaviors have changed, but other measures remain the same.
Americans are claiming to know more about the environment than ever, but actual knowl-
edge of environmental issues remains low, even of issues that have local rather than national
or global implications. Americans continue to favor environmental protection over eco-
nomic development, but they are slowly retreating from demands for further regulations to
protect the environment, with a growing but still small percentage saying the right balance
has been achieved. (See Figure 21 for changes in attitudes between 1992 and 1999.) The
public continues to engage in several simple activities that benefit the environment, but has
not embraced some of the most important actions that are within their power to control.
The environmental gender gap is still in effect, as is a sharp difference in attitudes between
younger and older Americans.
Increased knowledge is the key to changing attitudes and behaviors on issues critical to our
environmental future. If Americans can correctly answer an average of only 3 of 10 simple
knowledge questions, there is a clear need to provide environmental information in a form
that the American public can easily digest and act upon. Once the public understands the
information it is receiving and feels confident in this knowledge, misconceptions about the
environment (and the consequences of these misconceptions) should begin to subside.
However, the desire for additional environmental knowledge must come from within, not
from above. Fortunately, Americans are beginning to express a willingness to rely on indi-
viduals, citizen groups, and environmental organizations rather than government agencies
or private businesses to solve the nation's worst environmental problems. The proper mes-
sages from environmental organizations and citizen groups should be able to reach the busy
yet generally open minds of the American public.
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Figure 21: Eight Year Trend: A Summary of Changes and Attitudes Over Time
Changed Over the Last Eight Years:
Environmental Laws and Regulations:
Not Gone Far Enough
Struck the Right Balance
Gone Too Far
Environmental Laws and Regulations: Not Gone Far Enough, For:
Water Pollution
Air Pollution
Wild and Natural Areas
Wetlands
Endangered Species
If No Compromise Possible Between Environment and Economy:
Favor Economic Development
Favor Environmental Protection
Self-Reported Environmental Knowledge:
Know a Lot / A Fair Amount
Know Only a Little / Practically Nothing
Stayed Statistically the Same Over the Last Eight Years:
Relationship Between Environmental
Protection and Economic Development:
Can Go Hand in Hand
Must Choose Between the Environment and the Economy
Agreement with Phrase: "The next ten years* are the last decade when
humans will have a chance to save the earth from environmental catastrophe."
"wording in 1992: "the 1990s"
o/o
63
17
10
79
72
59
53
51
17
64
(1995)
64
36
63
25
59
%
47
29
16
69
62
52
46
42
18
70
69
30
61
27
56
Recommendations
A New Index for Environmental Problem-Solving: Understanding
Where Individual Actions Can Make the Most Difference
Develop and publish a new People-to-Problem Index that measures the degree to which
a major environmental problem such as run-off water pollution can be fully ad-
dressed only by educating and involving people, small businesses, and local communi-
ties. The Index should highlight which critical national environmental issues are largely
42
1
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
beyond the reach of government regulation and thus are most suited to solutions at the
grassroots, civic, and individual levels.
Some issues, such as the regulation of industrial toxic waste, would have a low People-to-
Problem rating because they can indeed be addressed through regulation and involve
larger institutions such as industrial businesses. Issues with a high People-to Problem
rating would be best addressed through the actions of individuals, smaller businesses,
farmers and smaller local communities. The Index should be published each year by an
objective and reliable source as a reminder of how critical education of individuals is to
our environmental future.
New Social Science Research: Determining
What Motivates Individual Action on the Environment
Increase the commitment of the government and non-governmental sector to learning-
driven approaches to solving environmental problems. Foster a comprehensive new pro-
gram of research on how people learn about environmental issues and what motivates
them to work toward their solutions.
Despite the importance of individual actions to our environmental future, the United
States is heavily invested in the use of regulation and technology to address environmen-
tal problems. This dedication to regulation has been successful in making progress on
industrial and municipal pollution but the ,causes of the emerging problems of the 21st
century are more-diffuse and increasingly occur as the result of millions of individual
actions. An understanding of individual behavior and motivations for local action would
seem to be a prerequisite for changing such behavior, but the research is lagging far
behind the problems themselves. A major new commitment is needed to research such
questions as: Why do people engage in some pro-environment activities and not others?
How well do people understand the environmental consequences of their actions?
More Environmental Education for the Media:
Improving the Public's Understanding of the Issues
The American media appears to be the most influential source of environmental infor-
mation for adult Americans. Yet, despite this importance, there are few organized efforts
to more thoroughly and effectively educate the media on complex environmental issues
of the next century. We must strengthen official efforts to provide deeper background
materials and briefings to members of the media, including: sound scientific informa-
tion, maps and visuals, and more.
Members of the media are barraged by information. Usually arguments on both sides of
important public issues are presented to them and their job is to sort through any bias
and get to the truth. They are often successful at this but, due to a superficial knowledge
-------
1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
of the subject matter the science, the theories, the points of disagreement the
media will sometimes present an issue too simplistically, or characterize it as completely
polarized when more reasoned and balanced middle positions are attainable.
Providing objective, easy-to-absorb background materials to the media much as
the Congressional Research Service does for members of Congress should be a
priority and should be developed by such impartial sources as the National Academy
of Sciences.
Mediation Skills Training: Helping Communities
Solve Local Environmental Problems
As we move into an age where more balance will be sought between the environment and
the economy, greater effort will be required to create partnerships and refine skills that
can produce constructive negotiation and mediation on local environmental issues.
Too often environmental issues end up in divisive, all-or-nothing battles, even where a
reasonable middle ground can be found. The NEETF/Roper data show strong public sup-
port for finding the creative middle ground but, unfortunately, die climate of most envi-
ronmental issues calls for adversarial skills rather than mediation skills. Government and
non-government sectors need to make a much stronger commitment to wide-scale media-
tion training for legislators, non-profit organizations, government officials, business lead-
ers, and others who define environmental debates.
Environmental Health Education: Reaching Health Care Professionals
We must redouble our efforts to help people make the connection between the environ-
ment and human health. This should include a much greater commitment to the envi-
ronmental education and training of healtii care and public health officials.
A large percentage of the disease symptoms encountered in a clinical setting by health
professionals stem from the environment. Breathing problems, skin rashes, headaches,
digestive problems, even chronic illnesses can have environmental origins. Unfortu-
nately, the health care community receives little or no training on the environment and
public officials supporting health care are not aware of the importance of this issue to
improving health care, protecting the public, and lowering long-term health care costs.
Medical and nursing school curricula need to be reformed to include more emphasis on
the environment. Risk assessment tools need to be more widely used by practitioners.
Pediatricians and primary care physicians should be a particular focus for environmental
education. Some specialties should include environmental knowledge as a part of their
board certification. There needs to be a more active and effective link between health
care practice and public health information, particularly in serving poor communities.
44
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APPENDIX A:
Special Subgroup Analyses
T
:hroughout this report, attention has been given to differences in environmental atti-
tudes, knowledge and behavior among demographic and attitudinal subgroups. This
appendix examines the results for two demographic subgroups, gender and age.
The Environmental Gender Gap
As in past NEETF/Roper Surveys, important differences are evident when comparing the envi-
ronmental attitudes of the two sexes, with women generally expressing greater pro-environmen-
tal sentiments than men. (Figure 22). For example, while a large majority of all Americans
(70%) favor the environment over the economy if a choice between them must be made, 74% of
women favor the environment, compared to 66% of men. Whereas 19% of men think environ-
mental regulations in general have gone too far, just 13% of women feel that way. Conversely,
more women (49%) than men (45%) say that current regulations should go further.
Similar patterns emerge with respect to particular types of regulations. There is an 11-point
difference between women and men (67% versus 56%) on whether specific government
regulations to fight air pollution should go further. Similarly, 72% of women feel that the
regulation of water pollution needs to go further as compared to 65% of men. Importantly,
though, support for the "not gone far enough" position has been eroding over time among
both sexes, with a concurrent shift to the "strike the right balance" position.
Still, women are somewhat more inclined than men to worry about the planet's environmental
future: 59% agree that the next ten years are the last chance to avoid a major environmental
catastrophe, compared to 53% of men. Furthermore, women are more likely than men to say
that air pollution (74% of women and 63% of men), poUuted water (78% vs. 69%), and freshwa-
ter shortages (72% vs. 63%) will be very serious problems in 15 to 25 years. This pattern may be
45
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Figure 22: The Environmental Gender Gap, 1999
Relationship Between Environmental
Protection and Economic Development:
Can Go Hand in Hand
Must Choose Between the Environment and the Economy
If No Compromise is Possible Between
Environmental Protection and Economic Development:
Favor economic development
Favor environmental protection
Environmental Laws and Regulations:
Not gone far enough
Struck the right balance
Gone too far
Environmental Laws and Regulations: Not gone far enough, for:
Water pollution
Air pollution
Wild and natural areas
Wetlands
Endangered species
Environmental Knowledge:
A lot / A fair amount
Only a little / practically nothing
Agreement with Phrase: "The next ten years are the last decade when
humans will have a chance to save the earth from environmental catastrophe.'
o/o
62
25
22
66
45
31
19
65
56
51
46
40
74
25
53
o/o
60
28
14
74
49
27
13
72
67
53
46
44
66
34
59
a reflection of greater environmental optimism among men than among women. In fact, Roper
Starch finds women to be more concerned than men about a number of societal issues, such as
illiteracy, AIDS, racism, nuclear warfare, and the spread of crime and violence.
While a majority of both men and women support environmental protection regulations,
the pro-environment feelings of American women remain stronger than those of men. Women
are more likely than men to say diat environmental organizations, citizen groups, and indi-
viduals can be relied on a great deal to solve the nation's worst environmental problems.
7Roper Starch Worldwide Inc., Roper Reports, December 1997.
46
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
This may indicate a greater openness among women than among men to being part of the
solution to environmental problems.
Despite their more pro-environment position, for the third straight year women are less
knowledgeable than men about the environment. (Figure 23) Of ten quiz questions in
1999, women average 2.7 correct answers, compared to 3.7 among men. This is critical be-
cause knowledge shapes concern and behavior, and the more knowledgeable people are
about a topic, the less likely they are to be subject to the whims of popular opinion, or the
perpetuation of environmental myths.
luE^^^£Hi^^^ffl^^^0H9^w9^!^@M^£^ffl0i
B@|j^a|^^j^MMajfflM||^g|g|^|gg|^^^^j^^^^^g^ggj
Most common reason an animal species becomes extinct
Greatest threat posed by waste disposal areas
Main cause of global climate change
Primary method that chemicals and minerals enter human body
How most electricity in the United States is generated
Primary reason for worldwide reduction in ocean fish
Most common source of water pollution
Greatest source of landfill material
Percentage of world's water that is fresh and available for use
Leading cause of childhood death worldwide
AVERAGE NUMBER OF CORRECT RESPONSES
JtsiiiliMlMfMisI
HBiHHBlHH
Total
o/o
70
52
45
31
28
25
24
23
13
7
3.2
Male
%
70
59
51
34
40
33
28
28
16
8
3.7
Female
o/o
70
46
40
27
16
18
20
19
10
6
2.7
The reasons for the differences between the sexes are not well understood and require
more research". There are, for instance, no significant education level differences between
men and women in the survey sample. Discussions with professional educators may provide
a clue, however. They think the difference might be accounted for by the two-to-one ratio of
men to women in science-based education and employment in America. Many of the envi-
ronmental issues covered in the recent NEETF/Roper Survey have scientific underpinnings,
and the specific knowledge of a scientific subject or professional experience with science
may make the difference between a higher or lower score in the quiz.
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Age Differences
Age differences have a powerful effect on attitudes on the environment, as the 1999 NEETF/
Roper Survey shows. In general, pro-environment sentiment declines as people grow older.
For example, the preference for environmental protection rather than economic develop-
ment decreases from 77% of Americans age 18-34, to 70-71% for ages 35-64, and to 57%
among those age 65 and over.
This pattern moves in the opposite direction when Americans offer their opinion of current
environmental laws and regulations. (Figure 24) The percentage saying that laws for pro-
tecting the environment "do not go far enough" decreases from 56% among 18-34 year olds
to 36% among those age 65 and over. At the same time, the percentage holding the "gone
too far" viewpoint increases from 11% among 18-34 year olds to 21% of those age 65 and
over. The belief that environmental laws and regulations do not go far enough is down 21
percentage points since 1992 among those age 35-44, the greatest decrease among the age
subgroups. (By comparison, this rating is down 19 percentage points among those 65+,
down 13 points among those 18-343 and down 10 points among those 45-64.) Even with this
steep decrease, 35-44 year olds remain more likely than older generations to say that current
environmental laws do not go far enough.
Figure 24: Trend Data: Environmental Laws "Do Not Go Far Enough," by Gender and Age
'I""' " ' - "' ' ' ' SETWfppPJIi !if! !;":;";:!'' rr ;>'->'' S': raf "T.^s;^1 >:>W!-".'. K ' ! . " I111''.;:"" -. !
""",. . " : " ' ' ' 33&$$i&$v-. t" i^.lr''^ . .r.:;;:-:^e,i'': ' ; ; ; '- . j,
i" ; " jii" ;;, " .".'' , ' . "" . ' " :;: .iiLiiiLSiliiiiJiii;!:!;;:!.'!;;!;;11:'.; ;i,ji;A^ ii.!H;;l:!!!:i!i,,;!:'ii »!!.!!? , '. Iv^'i.,11'' ,. .;'i, «:,.!!:;:. ,.,. 'i'.iui. ' : I.,1;;!''!';.'"!::!!"1!':.!!;!::..: / iiiii i^idiL^ti .i,!;,; \v;!,ji:*i.:.. l.;;i
Total
°/0
1999 47
1998 46
1997 47
1996 45
1995 43
1994 53
1993 54
1992 63
Change in 'Do Not Go -16
Far Enough1 since 1992
Change in 'Struck Right +12
Balance' since 1992
Male
%
45
41
41
38
38
51
49
59
-14
+ 10
Female
%
49
51
52
51
J 48
55
58
67
-18
+13
18-34
o/o
56
55
55
51
59
64
62
69
-13
+12
35-44
o/o
47
46
50
45
41
57
60
68
-21
+12
45-64
o/o
44
41
45
40
35
47
45
54
-10
+9
65+
%
36
36
29
39
27
36
39
57
-19
+12
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
A generation gap is also in evidence with regard to attitudes toward specific environmental laws
and regulations. Americans age 18-34 are consistently more likely than those older than 34 to say
current laws for the five specific environmental issues do not go far enough, while those 65 and
over are consistently the most likely to say current laws go too far for, endangered species, wild or
natural areas, and air pollution. As the younger, pro-environment American population ages,
the "not gone far enough" and the "strike the right balance" positions will likely grow in popular-
ity, perhaps changing the outlook for future environmental laws and regulations.
When Americans rate the extent to which environmental organizations can be relied on
to solve,the worst environmental problems, those 18-34 are the most likely age group to
say that environmental organizations can be relied on "a good deal" to solve environmen-
tal problems (53%), a result in line with their generally more pro-environmental position.
This rating falls to 46% of those age 35-44, to 43% of those 45 to 64, and to 37% of those
age 65 or older.
Asked to describe the level of their own environmental knowledge, approximately 7 in 10
Americans under the age of 65 say they know at least a fair amount about environmental issues
and problems, compared to 61% among those 65 or older. However, actual environmental
knowledge as determined though the ten multiple-choice questions varies little by age, with
uniformly low scores. Despite their pro-environment sentiments, 18-34 year olds average 3.1
correct answers, above the 2.6 correct answers among those 65 and older, but below the 3.4
correct answers given by those 35-44 and 45-64. Ideally, environmental knowledge would in-
crease as the population ages, especially as those who have received environmental education
in primary and secondary schools become adults, but this remains to be seen.
Whether the generational differences seen in the survey are a function of age or generation
is difficult to say. That is, the patterns of responses may reflect the different attitudes and
concerns facing an age cohort, or they may reflect the environmental and societal condi-
tions that shaped a particular generation. Most likely, both factors are at play. As Figure 25
shows, the pattern of responses on the need for further regulation decreasing with age have
not changed significantly in the last eight years; however, the large drop (21 percentage
points) in support for further regulation among the 35-44 year old cohort between 1992
and 1999 may suggest differences in outlook among the generation born in 1948-57 versus
those born in 1955-1964.
49
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APPENDIX B:
Methodology and Questionnaire
Methodology
Description of the Sample
A nationwide cross-section of 1,501 adults, 18 years of age and older, was interviewed for die
1999 NEETF/Roper Survey. Interviews were conducted by telephone from May 13 to June
3,1999. Results are projectable to the total adult population of the continental United States
who would be willing to be interviewed in a telephone study of this kind.
The margin of error due to sampling is plus or minus two percentage points at the .95
confidence level, altiiough it is larger for the results for smaller subgroups of the public. For
example, the sampling error is plus or minus four percentage points for results among the
490 adults in the sample aged 18-34. Previous versions of this study (known as die Times
Mirror Magazines National Environmental Forum from 1992 to 1995) had a plus or minus
three percentage point margin of sampling error.
Sampling Method
The basic sample was drawn at random from the adult population of the continental United
States, excluding institutionalized segments of the public (such as those in Army camps,
nursing homes, and prisons). Households contacted for the survey were selected at ran-
dom by a procedure known as random-digit dialing, which ensures that households with
unlisted telephone numbers, as well as those with listed numbers, are included in the
sample. All interviews were conducted during evening hours on weekdays and all day on
weekends to ensure that both working and as non-working segments of the population
would be included.
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
Weighting Procedure
The demographic characteristics of the random sample were compared with the most re-
cent Census Bureau estimates, and corrective weights were applied to ensure proper repre-
sentation based on age, gender, and educational attainment.
Percentages Not Totaling 100%
Responses were computerized and rounded off to the nearest whole percentage. As a result,
percentages in certain charts and columns may sometimes total slightly more or less than
100%. Also, in certain charts and analyses, the results of those who said "don't know" or
chose not to answer may have been omitted.
© 1999 Roper Starch Worldwide
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
NEETF Environmental Attitudes and Knowledge Survey
Hello, I'm
from The Roper Poll and we're conducting an important survey to-
day about the environment. This is a research study; we are not selling anything and all answers will be kept
confidential. For this interview, may I please speak to the youngest adult male, who is at least 18, who lives
there and is home? (IF NO MALE IS AVAILABLE) Then may I speak to the oldest adult female, who is at least
18, who lives there and is home?
1. Most of die time, do you diink environmental protection and economic development can go hand in hand,
or that we must choose between environmental protection and economic development?
Q Can go hand in hand
Q Must choose-between environment and development
Q Depends (vol.)
Q Don't know
2. When it is impossible to find a reasonable compromise between economic development and environmental
protection, which do you usually believe is more important: economic development or environmental protection?
Q Economic development
Q Environmental protection
Q Depends (vol.)
Q Don't know
8. There are differing opinions about how far we've gone with environmental protection laws and regulations. At
the present time, do you think environmental protection laws and regulations have gone too far, or not far enough,
or have struck about the right balance?
Q Gone too far
Q Not far enough
Q Struck about right balance
Q Don't know
4. Thinking now about some specific areas, at the present time, do you think laws and regulations for (READ
ITEM) have gone too far, not far enough, or have struck about the right balance?
a. Fighting air pollution
b. Protecting wild or natural areas
c. Protecting endangered species of plants, animals, and insects
d. Protecting wetland areas
e. Fighting water pollution
5. Please telljne whether you strongly agree, mostly agree, mostly disagree, or strongly disagree with the fol-
lowing statement:
"The next 10 years are the last decade when humans will have a chance to save the Earth from environmental
catastrophe."
Q Strongly agree
Q Mostly agree
Q Mostly disagree
Q Strongly disagree
Q Don't know
52
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
6. In general, how much do you feel you yourself know about environmental issues and problems would you say
you know a lot, a fair amount, only a little, or practically nothing?
Q A lot
Q A fair amount
Q Only a little
Q Practically nothing
Q Don't know
8. The next group of questions are about issues that have been covered in the media during the past two years
or so. They are designed to tell us how much accurate information people are getting from television,
newspapers, magazines, and other sources. Each question has four possible answers. If you don't know the
. answer, you can just state that you don't know. (INTERVIEWER: READ BOTH THE LETTER, e.g., "A",
AND THE ANSWER, e.g., "BYBURNING OIL, COAL, AND WOOD". REPEAT AS NECESSARY)
9. How is most of the electricity in the U.S. generated? Is it. . .
Ql By burning oil, coal, and wood
Q With nuclear power
Q Through solar energy, or
Q At hydro electric power plants?
Q Don't know
10. What is the most common cause of pollution of streams, rivers, and oceans? Is it. . .
Q Dumping of garbage by cities
Q Surface water running off yards, city streets, paved lots, and form fields,
Q Trash washed into the ocean from beaches, or
Q Waste dumped by factories?
rj Don't know .
11. What do you think is the main cause of global climate change, that is, the warming of the planet Earth? Is
it...
Q A recent increase in oxygen in the atmosphere
Q Sunlight radiating more strongly through a hole in the upper ozone layer
Q More carbon emissions from autos, homes and industry, or
Q Increased activity from volcanoes worldwide
Q Don't know
12. To the best of your knowledge, what percentage of the world's water is fresh and available for use? Is it. . .
a
a
a
a
a
1%
5%
10%, or
Don't know
13. The current worldwide reduction in the number of ocean fish is PRIMARILY due to which of the following...
Q Pollution in coastal waters worldwide
Q Increased harvesting by fishing vessels
Q Changes in ocean temperature, or
Q Loss of fishing shoals and other deep sea habitats
Q Don't know
53
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
14. What is die leading cause of childhood death worldwide? Is it...
Q Malnutrition and starvation
Q Asthma from dust in die air
Q Auto and home accidents, or
Q Germs in the water?
Q Don't know
15. What is the most common reason that an animal species becomes extinct? Is it because...
Q Pesticides are killing them,
Q Their habitats are being destroyed by humans,
Q There is too much hunting, or
Q There are climate changes that affect them?
Q Don't know
16. There are thousands of waste disposal areas - dumps and landfills - in the U.S. that hold toxic waste. The
greatest threat posed by these waste disposal areas is...
Q Chemical air pollution
Q Contact with farm animals and household pets
Q Contamination of water supplies, or
Q Human consumption through contaminated food
Q Don't know
17. Many communities are concerned about running out of room in their community trash dumps and land-
fills. Is the greatest source of landfill material...
Q Disposable diapers
Q Lawn and garden clippings, trimmings and leaves
Q Paper products including newspapers, card board and packaging or
Q Glass and plastic bottles and aluminum and steel cans
Q Don't know
18. Some scientists have expressed concern that chemicals and certain minerals accumulate in the human body
at dangerous levels. Do these chemicals and minerals enter the body primarily through...
Q Breathing air
Q Living near toxic waste dumps
Q Household cleaning products, or
Q Drinking water
Q Don't know
19. How important would you say each of the following factors are in causing outbreaks of war and conflict?
Are... (READ ITEM) very important, somewhat important, only a little important, or not at all important in
causing outbreaks of war and conflict?
Racial tensions
Economic factors
Environmental disasters
Territorial or border issues
Language barriers
. 54
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
20. In the future, to what extent do you think each of the following sources can be relied on to solve our worst
environmental problems? Would you say... (READ ITEM) could be relied on a good deal, a fair amount,
not very much or not at all to solve ur most serious environmental problems?
Government agencies
Private businesses
Environmental organizations
Citizen groups
Individuals
21. I am now going to read you a list of some things that environmentalists have said may be problems in the
next 15 to 25 years. For each item I read, please tell me how serious a problem you think it will be in the
future - very serious, somewhat serious, not too serious, or not at all serious. First... (READ ITEM). How
serious a problem will this be in the future? (RE-READ ANSWER CATEGORIES AS NECESSARY)
Climate change
Loss of animal & plant species
Cutting of large forests ' . .
Freshwater shortages
Air pollution
Polluted water
Population increases
23. Now I would like to ask you about some of the things you may do in your day-to-day life. For each of the following
things, would you please tell me whether you never do it, sometimes do it, or frequently do it.
a. Recycle things such as newspapers, cans, and glass
b. Avoid using chemicals in your yard or garden
c. Buy biodegradable or recyclable products
d. Conserve wat ctrical appliances when not in use
e. Turn off lights and electrical appliances while not in use
f. Try to cut down on the amount of trash and garbage you create
g. Use other types of transportation, such as biking or the bus, instead of driving your car
i. Participate in a public land clean-up day
24. Finally, I am going to ask you about some different activities and hobbies that people can engage in. For
each one, would you please tell me if you have done it in the past 12 months or not?
a. Gone fishing
b. Gone swimming outdoors
c. Gone hunting
d. Gone motor boating
e. Gone downhill skiing
f. Played golf
g. Gone hiking
h. Gone bicycling
i. Gone running or jogging
IF"
JL-
55
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1999 NEETF/Roper Report Card
or
I have just a few questions for classification purposes.
D-l. Which of the following age categories includes your age?
Q 65 or older
Q 55 to 64
Q 45 to 54
Q 35 to 44
Q 25 to 34
Q 18 to 24
Q Refused
D-2.\Vhat was the last grade of school you completed, not counting specialized schools like secretarial, art,
trade schools?
Q 8th grade or less (1-8)
Q Some high school (9-11)
Q High school graduate (12)
Q Some college (13-15)
Q College graduate (16)
Q Refused
D-3. Do you have any children and/or dependents living in this household under the age of 18?
Q Yes Q No Q Refused
D-4. How many children are there living at home with you that are... (READ LIST)
Under 5 years old
5 to 10 years old
11 to 17 years old
D-7. Would you describe the area you live in as a: (READ LIST)
Q Large city
Q A medium size city
Q A small city
Q A suburban town
Q A small town
Q Or as a rural or farm area?
Q Don't know
D-8. For statistical purposes only, we need to know your total household income. I am going to read off some
income categories. Would you please stop me when I name the category that best describes the combined
annual income of this household, including wages or salary, interest, and all other sources?
Q Under $10,000
Q $10,000 to $19,000
Q $20,000 to $29,000
Q $30,000 to $39,000
Q $40,000 to $49,000
Q $50,000 to $74,999
Q Refused/don't know
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND PARTICIPATION!
56
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