This year may have been rough, but as 2020 comes to a close many Americans are looking forward to a better future – and a greener one.
A new survey reveals 59 percent foresee a ‘completely environmentally friendly’ Earth by year 2042, but the majority understands that it is only possible if we all work together.
The idea of going green is producing zero waste and running on renewable energy, along with swapping cars for a bicycle or walking and adopting a plant-based diet.
Among ways to create a better world, 70 percent of the respondents also believe climate change is the single biggest threat facing humanity.
A new survey reveals 59 percent foresee a ‘completely environmentally friendly’ Earth by year 2042, but the majority understands that it is only possible if we all work together. The idea of going green is producing zero waste and running on renewable energy
The study was conducted by Cool Effect, which survey 2,000 adults living in the US to understand how Americans feel about climate change and the steps they are willing to take to combat its effects, according to StudyFinds.
The top answers for what a completely environmentally friendly world was a tie of 57 percent for zero waste and using nothing but renewable energy.
Approximately 52 percent said banning single-use plastics, which is a law in eight states currently.
Nearly half of the respondents suggested people bike or walk to their destination instead of driving, while some Americans think an eco-friendly life is a more plant-based diet.
Respondents also suggested swapping cars for a bicycle or walking and adopting a plant-based diet. Among ways to create a better world, 70 percent of the respondents also believe climate change is the single biggest threat facing humanity
A finding that came out of the new survey shows that a third of those polled have actually switched careers for a more eco-friendly company and 68 percent have or are willing to pack up their lives and move to a more sustainable city
However, although these Americans are willing to fight for a greener world, the research found that many of them are not aware of their own personal carbon footprint – only 36 percent could produce an answer.
The survey also suggests that Americans tend to ignore their personal responsibility and feel their own carbon footprint is not making an impact on the warming world.
A previous study from 2019 found that some Americans overestimate their contribution – both findings suggests they need to meet in the middle
However, data from the United States Department of Energy reveals the average American emits roughly 17 tons of carbon per year – survey respondents guessed it was only 11.4 tons.
