A recent survey conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) from July 1st to 7th, titled “California Residents and the Environment Survey,” revealed that wildfires, climate change, government overregulation, and water supply are considered the most pressing environmental issues facing California.
PPIC, a non-profit, non-partisan research institute, is dedicated to providing quality information to improve public policy in California. The survey findings are based on responses from 1,736 adults and 1,165 likely voters.
After the devastating wildfires in Southern California six months ago, 82% of California residents stated that wildfires are a threat in their areas, with 46% considering it a major issue compared to only 39% last year. In the Inland Empire, 41% and in Los Angeles County, 39% of residents view wildfires as a very serious threat, while in Orange County and San Diego, the percentages are lower at 29% and in the Central Valley region at 23%. Only 22% of San Francisco Bay Area residents see wildfires as a severe threat.
Across party lines, 36% of Democrats view wildfires as a very serious threat, compared to 26% of Republicans and independents. Among different ethnic groups, 37% of Asians and African Americans see wildfires as a very serious threat, higher than Latinos (32%) and whites (26%).
Regarding the actions of state and local governments in responding to wildfires, and in prevention and post-disaster recovery, 63% of Californians believe that the government is not doing enough. Broken down by political affiliation, 78% of Republicans, 64% of independents, and 58% of Democrats feel that the government’s response is insufficient. Among ethnic groups, 69% of whites, 64% of Asians, and 57% of Latinos feel the same. 52% of adults have only some confidence in the government, while 20% have little to no confidence.
Concerns about potential electricity price hikes due to utilities companies having to compensate for wildfire losses are significant, with 54% of Californians expressing great concern and 33% having some level of worry.
The past year has seen California face extreme weather conditions such as wildfires, heatwaves, storms, floods, and droughts. 74% of respondents believe this is a problem (33% see it as a major issue), while approximately 26% do not view it as a problem.
Nearly 90% of people are worried that climate change will result in higher home insurance costs, with 60% showing significant concern. 88% fear not being able to obtain home insurance, with 57% expressing substantial worry.
62% of Californians believe the impacts of climate change are already evident, with approximately 20% of respondents thinking these effects will be seen in the coming years or within their lifetimes. 9% believe it won’t affect them but will impact future generations, while another 9% believe it will never happen.
Eighty percent of Californians view climate change as a serious threat to the future economy and quality of life. 46% believe it will be very severe, while 10% think it will not be significant. Across party lines, 95% of Democrats and 82% of independents see climate change as a threat to California.
Furthermore, 90% of Californians consider the condition of the ocean and beaches crucial for the future economy and quality of life in the state. About 68% are concerned or somewhat worried about the impact of rising sea levels, and over 75% are troubled by the effects of climate change on ocean and coastal wildlife.
The majority of respondents believe that plastic and marine debris (92%), ocean and beach pollution (89%), declining marine life (85%), and overfishing (79%) to some extent pose problems in California’s coastal areas.
Approximately 90% of respondents find Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to be highly important. These areas, managed by the California Fish and Game Commission, aim to safeguard fish, wildlife, and their habitats in coastal waters. Around 66% oppose further oil drilling along the California coast, while roughly 75% support wind and wave energy projects in coastal areas.
Approximately 62% support California achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045. However, about 60% of respondents are not willing to pay more for green energy sources like solar or wind power; especially 86% of Republicans, followed by 60% of independents and 58% of Democrats.
There is varied opinion on electric vehicles, with 36% indicating serious consideration for purchasing one, 11% already owning an electric vehicle, and 52% never having considered buying one.
63% of Californians oppose Governor Newsom’s executive order to ban the sale of all gasoline-powered cars by 2035; among them, 92% of Republicans and 66% of independents are opposed, while 55% of Democrats support the order.
63% of Californians support achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, but 75% of Republicans are against it. Regarding the Carbon Cap and Trade program implemented for businesses in California, 60% support it; 70% endorse using the revenues to enhance the environmental conditions in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
60% of Californians believe that California playing a global leadership role in addressing climate change is very or quite important. Sixty percent of potential voters see climate change as the biggest threat to the welfare of the United States. Approximately 53% approve of how Governor Newsom and the California legislature are handling environmental issues. As for stricter environmental regulations in California, 55% believe it is worthwhile, while 43% fear it may lead to significant job losses and harm the economy.
60% believe that environmental protection should take precedence, even if it may curb economic growth in the United States. About 70% of respondents feel alternative energy sources like wind, solar, and hydrogen technologies should be developed, while less than 30% believe in expanding exploration and production of oil, coal, and natural gas.