The 80 Percent Challenge
A Survey of Climate Change Opinion and Action in Massachusetts
This report, made possible with generous support from the Barr Foundation, represents the first in-depth look at how Massachusetts residents perceive the problem posed by global warming, as well as their willingness to embrace efforts to address this unprecedented challenge.
With the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008, Massachusetts became one of the first states in the nation to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Meeting the ambitious 80 percent reduction target codified in this legislation will require support and participation from a broad coalition of residents, business interests, and state leaders.
According to this new report, to develop this level of engagement, the Commonwealth must build a “culture of climate protection.” To learn more about the Commonwealth’s progress toward this culture of climate protection, MassINC surveyed 1,311 adult residents across the state.The results suggest that the qualities of a climate protection culture are taking hold in Massachusetts to varying degrees. While most residents still do not look at global warming as a high long-term priority, a majority sees it as a problem, supports policy efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions, and takes steps as individuals to reduce their personal energy consumption.
