North Dakota's diverse environmental views revealed in statewide poll

A recent poll in North Dakota shows a wide range of opinions on climate change, carbon capture, and electric vehicles, reflecting the state's varied environmental perspectives.

Jeff Beach reports for North Dakota Monitor.


In short:

  • The poll indicates that 43% of North Dakota voters see climate change as a serious problem, with a clear divide along party lines.
  • Opinions on carbon capture and storage are mixed, with many residents undecided about its effectiveness in reducing climate change impacts.
  • There is low interest in electric vehicles among North Dakotans, with 85% unlikely to purchase one next.

Key quote:

“We found that opinions on environmental issues have become highly politicized."

— Trevor Smith, chief research officer at WPA Intelligence

Why this matters:

The poll results highlight the complexity of environmental issues in North Dakota, a state known for its extreme weather and significant role in energy production. Understanding these diverse viewpoints is crucial for developing effective environmental policies and addressing climate change challenges.

Be sure to read Peter Dykstra’s 2022 piece: Pipeline politics.

A view of a lonely highway next to an aqua lake with snow covered mountains in the background

New Zealand’s climate ‘entering uncharted territory’ as greenhouse gases hit record highs

New Zealand's climate is entering "uncharted territory" as greenhouse gas concentrations hit record highs and extreme weather intensifies, according to a new government report.

A man inspects a solar water heater on a roof

Solar power is helping the Global South skip fossil fuels

Renewable electricity is cheaper than ever. While the West got rich on coal and oil, some of the world's poorest countries are banking on solar, wind and water instead.
A Black homeless man sits on a piece of cardboard

Utah needs a ‘Code Red’ policy to protect the homeless from extreme heat, report says

University of Utah researchers released a new report looking at how heat impacts people experiencing homelessness. 
A man wearing an orange work jumpsuit and hard hat walks down a dirt road

Colombia’s new government backs fracking as debate over energy future heats up

Supporters say fracking could help shore up dwindling gas supplies, while critics warn it could expose communities and ecosystems to environmental risks and prolong the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.

A manila folder covering a pile of documents

New documents add to evidence in climate deception case against ExxonMobil

Court filings by the Massachusetts attorney general’s office include previously undisclosed documents, revealing new details about internal deliberations at the oil giant.
A flock of white swans in the water

Climate change and farming gave rise to ‘genetically distinct’ Beijing swan goose

New population of the migratory waterbird has emerged in the Chinese capital over the past century, according to researchers.
A person using a laptop in a green field

Scientists who put faith in technology less likely to take climate action

‘Techno-optimism’ may lead to reliance on unproven solutions at expense of societal changes needed.

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

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.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

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

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

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

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

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.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

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

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.