Climate Change Driving Behavior Changes Of 60% Americans, New Study Finds

Even as President Biden and Congress negotiate over budget cuts in his signature climate legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act, in order to raise the debt ceiling and avoid financial catastrophe, 60% of the American people are already changing their behavior due to their concerns about climate change, a new study found.

Listing climate change as one of their top three concerns in the country today, Americans said they are already or plan to take specific steps to live a more climate-conscious lifestyle, according to the study conducted in December 2022 by TriplePundit, its parent company 3BL Media, and Glow research firm.

For example, the study found that 60% of Americans say they are buying products made from, or packaged in, recycled materials, or intend to within the next six months. Sixty percent also said they are spending more to buy a product that will last longer, and importantly for retailers and the economy, say they are “reducing your consumption, or asking yourself if you really need a product before purchasing it.”

Over 50% said they are shopping in second-hand stores and buying products in “reusable or refillable packaging.” Over 40% are flying less to reduce their carbon footprint, and dropping off packaging at stores for recycling.

Pew study agrees – and shows Americans take carbon neutrality further

These findings are consistent with a recent Pew Research study that found that 69% of Americans support the country taking steps to achieve being carbon neutral by 2050, aligning with commitments made at the big United Nations conference on climate change known as COP26 in Glasgow in 2021 and that President Biden stated as well.

The Pew study also found that developing renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, wind, etc.) is preferred over producing more fossil fuels by 69% of Americans as well. Dr. Melissa Lott explained on Electric Ladies Podcast that 60% of carbon emissions (CO2) currently come from fossil fuels today. The Pew study found that Gen Zers – 18 to 29 years old – in the U.S. want to see the country phase out fossil fuels completely to address climate change, while 48% of the general public said they want the country to only use renewable energy sources. Sixty-seven percent (67%) in the Pew study said that a mix of renewables and fossil fuels is the prescription.

Companies are responding to consumer pressures to be more sustainable

Whether it’s based on their own customer and employee research, or in response to needing to report their sustainability practices in the environment, social, governance – ESG – reports, or for another reason, companies are taking tangible steps to reduce their carbon footprints..

They are taking big and small steps – from solar panels on their roofs to wooden to-go utensils and charging for plastic bags.

Linda Zhang, Chief Engineer of the Ford F-150 Lightning, the electric version of the iconic pickup truck, told me at the MOVE: Reimagining Mobility conference last fall that they integrated sustainable materials – and even recycled plastic water bottles – into the truck interior as well. The consumer interest is validated in the sales of the trucks as well, with Zhang and former Chief Marketing Officer of Ford, Suzy Deering both telling me that 76% of the buyers of the Lightning are new buyers.

So, whatever Congress and President Biden settle on for the budget to raise the debt ceiling, these studies tell us that they may irk voters if they cut too many of the investments in clean energy and sustainable practices.