Americans express concern over nature but often misjudge their role in environmental damage

A recent global survey reveals that while many Americans are worried about environmental issues, a large portion does not see themselves as contributing significantly to the problem.

Katie Surma reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

The Global Commons survey found that 88% of respondents globally are worried about environmental destruction.
Half of Americans polled do not feel personally affected by climate risks, despite evidence showing they are.
Only 15% of Americans believe they bear responsibility for environmental harm, attributing blame to businesses and governments.

Key quote:

“It’s troubling that Americans aren’t making that connection.”

— Geoff Dabelko, professor at Ohio University

Why this matters:

Americans’ misunderstanding of their environmental impact hinders progress toward global climate goals. Individual lifestyle changes, especially among the wealthiest, are crucial to reducing carbon emissions and halting ecosystem destruction.

Related EHN coverage:

insideclimatenews.org

Katrina hurricane destruction, dead, dying, barren forest, still visible two years later.

Credit: Gino Santa Maria/BigStock Photo ID: 1983846

30,000 trees planted to restore Katrina-ravaged barrier

In the wetlands of coastal southeast Louisiana, conservation groups are wrapping up a four-year project to plant 30,000 trees.

Read the Full Article on

apnews.com

Americans express concern over nature but often misjudge their role in environmental damage

Federal energy lab reduces workforce, cutting 134 jobs

Trump repeals U.S. government’s power to regulate climate

Burgum calls energy transition a ‘fantasy’ as EPA guts climate regulations

China could reach peak greenhouse gas emissions sooner than Beijing planned, new report suggests

Offshore wind showed up big during the East Coast’s brutal cold

Banks decline to finance LNG project in Papua New Guinea

30,000 trees planted to restore Katrina-ravaged barrier

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.