(PDF) Public perceptions of climate change: A Maryland statewide survey, fall 2016

Public Perceptions of

Climate Change

A Maryland Statewide Survey | Fall 2016

Investigators:

Karen Akerlof, PhD

George Mason University

Center for Climate Change Communication

4400 University Dr., MS 6A8

Fairfax, VA 22030

kakerlof@gmu.edu

Cindy Parker, MD, MPH

Peter Winch, MD, MPH

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg

School of Public Health

615 North Wolfe Street

Baltimore, MD 21205

Survey execution and report preparation:

With offices in both Washington, DC and Princeton, NJ, Princeton Survey Research

Associates International (PSRAI) is an independent firm dedicated to high-quality research

providing reliable, valid results for clients in the United States and around the world.

Acknowledgements:

This survey was funded by the Town Creek Foundation of Easton, MD. We thank the

Foundation and Executive Director Stuart Clarke for their support. We also thank members

of the Climate Communication Consortium of Maryland (climatemaryland.org), many of

whom assisted in the development of the survey, and Jennifer Su at PSRAI.

Credits, cover photo:

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center made this photo available through a Creative Commons

public domain license.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................................... i

Key Findings .............................................................................................................................................. i

Chapter 1: Millennials lead older generations in their certainty that climate change is happening,

understanding of human causes, and concern over its effects................................................................ 1

Millennials are uneasy about climate change effects ........................................................................... 2

Millennials say climate change will harm community resources .......................................................... 3

Chapter 2: Marylanders say crime, schools, jobs and water pollution should be top priorities for state

government; more than half say the same for climate change ................................................................ 5

Crime, schools and jobs are chief concerns .......................................................................................... 5

Addressing climate change reaches a new priority high ....................................................................... 6

Ratings of climate change by subgroup ................................................................................................. 6

Climate change is a higher priority for Marylanders today .................................................................... 6

Environmental concerns rank high among residents and their views have remained steady ........... 7

Top priorities among different demographic groups ............................................................................. 8

Climate change and its impacts are important to likely voters ............................................................. 9

Chapter 3: Most Marylanders say climate change is happening ........................................................... 11

Residents divide along educational and ideological lines ................................................................. 12

Understanding of climate change rises slightly .................................................................................. 12

Chapter 4: Most Marylanders say humans play a role in causing climate change .............................. 13

A majority of college graduates say climate change is caused by humans ...................................... 13

Views on how to legislatively prioritize climate change make a difference ...................................... 14

Views on human-caused climate change are unchanged since 2015 and up since 2014 ............. 15

Chapter 5: Marylanders overwhelmingly support government protection against climate change .... 16

Liberals back government help by a substantial margin ................................................................... 17

Chapter 6: Public understanding of the scientific consensus on climate change reaches a high ...... 18

Many underestimate the social consensus on climate change ......................................................... 18

More Marylanders than ever understand the consensus .................................................................. 19

More educated, liberals say there is a scientific consensus on climate ........................................... 21

Chapter 7: Most think that hotter weather due to climate change will likely occur in their community

in the next decade or two ......................................................................................................................... 22

There are noteworthy shifts in likely effects since 2015 and 2014 .................................................. 23

Chapter 8: Residents anticipate harm from climate change ................................................................. 25

Views on harms from climate change remain largely unchanged in the last 12 months ................ 26

Appendices ................................................................................................................................................ 27

Appendix 1: Topline Results ................................................................................................................. 29

Appendix 2: Methodology ..................................................................................................................... 49

i | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Executive Summary

In April 2016, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan signed SB 323, the Greenhouse Gas

Emissions Reduction Act. This bipartisan legislation builds upon the 2009 Greenhouse Gas

Emission Reduction Act that called for a 25 percent reduction in statewide greenhouse gas

emissions from 2006 levels by the year 2020. SB 323 will take effect in October 2016 and

calls for a 40 percent reduction in emissions from 2006 levels by the year 2030.

1

Continuing a research partnership that began during the 2015 study, George Mason

University (GMU) once again teamed up with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public

Health to get Marylanders' opinions on climate change, public health and energy sources,

and their attitudes towards current or proposed policies that relate to these topics.

Below are some of the findings from the 2016 survey of Maryland residents, the fourth

installment of an annual study dating back to 2013.

Key Findings

1) Millennials lead older generations in their certainty that climate change is happening,

understanding of human causes, and concern over its effects.

 Eighty-nine percent of Millennials (ages 18-35) and 84 percent of Generation X (ages

36-51) say climate change is currently happening, compared with 75 percent of Baby

Boomers (ages 52-70) and 62 percent of the oldest residents from the Silent and

Greatest (G.I.) Generations (ages 71 or older).

 Six in ten Millennials (64%) say that 81-100 percent of climate scientists are in

agreement that climate change is occurring. This figure drops to 58 percent among

Gen Xers, 51 percent of Boomers and 39 percent of the Silent and Greatest

Generations.

 Millennials are the most likely to say that people, not natural shifts in the

environment, are the reason for climate change.

 They are also the most likely of any age group to say their communities face many

risks because of climate change.

1

From the website of the Maryland General Assembly:

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&stab=01&id=sb0323&y

s=2016RS

ii | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

2) Marylanders say crime, schools, jobs and water pollution should be top priorities for

state government; more than half say the same for climate change.

 Nearly nine in ten residents say that lowering crime (88%), improving schools (86%)

and creating jobs (86%) should be high or very high priorities for the Maryland

General Assembly and the Governor.

 Seventy-nine percent consider reducing water pollution to be a top priority for the

state.

 A majority (55%) rate addressing climate change as a high or very high priority for the

state government, up nine percentage points since 2015 and up four points since

2014.

3) Just over three-quarters of Marylanders say climate change is happening.

 Seventy-seven percent say climate change is currently happening, compared with 10

percent who say it is not and a slightly larger share who simply do not know (13%).

 Among residents who say climate change is happening, 71 percent are very sure

(41%) or extremely sure (30%). Twenty-seven percent are only somewhat sure about

climate change and two percent are not sure at all.

4) Most Marylanders say humans play a role in causing climate change.

 When it comes to causing climate change, residents of the Old Line State point the

finger at human activity. Seventy-five percent say that climate change is at least

partly due to human activities. Almost half -- 45 percent -- say human activities are

mostly or entirely the reason why climate change is happening.

 Forty-one percent say natural changes in the environment are the root cause, with 11

percent reporting natural changes are mostly or entirely the reason for climatic

changes.

5) Marylanders overwhelmingly support government involvement in protecting against

climate change.

 Fully three-quarters are in favor of state and local governments taking action to

protect their communities against the harmful effects caused by climate change.

Nearly half, or 47 percent, strongly support government action. Just one in seven

Marylanders stand in opposition to governments taking these steps and another 12

percent do not know if they support or oppose government involvement.

 Overall support for environmental protection by state and local governments has

remained steady among residents of the Chesapeake State throughout the last few

iii | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

years. However, strong support for government action has increased over the last two

years.

6) Significant shares of Maryland residents are unsure how many other people in their

region, state, and country think that climate change is happening, but for the first time

since this research began in 2013, a majority say virtually all scientists agree that

climate change is happening.

 Fifty-three percent of residents correctly say that more than 80% of climate scientists

agree that climate change is occurring. This latest finding shows an increase of seven

points since 2015, 28 points since 2014 and 30 points since 2013.

 Residents largely underestimate the social consensus of the public on climate

change.

 Roughly three in ten adults say they “don’t know” what percentage of people in their

region in Maryland, people statewide or people in the overall U.S. think that climate

change is happening.

7) Most say that hotter weather due to climate change will likely occur in their community in

the next decade or two.

 Seventy-two percent say that hotter weather will occur over the next 10 to 20 years.

 Six in ten (63%) say their communities will face more severe storms because of

climate change.

 Majorities also say that they will be dealing with increased air pollution (53%) and

heavier rains (52%).

 Nine percent do not think there will be any likely effects from climate change over the

next 10-20 years.

8) Marylanders are worried that the Chesapeake Bay and people’s health will be harmed by

climate change within the next several years.

 Sixty percent of Old Line State adults think the Chesapeake Bay could be harmed by

climate change. About six in ten say the same about people’s health in general.

 Fifty-seven percent of residents are also concerned about the negative impact on

aquatic life and the fishing or seafood industry.

 About one in ten (11%) do not think there will be any local risks due to climate

change in the next several years.

iv | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

These are just some of the findings from the 2016 survey, executed by Princeton Survey

Research Associates International (PSRAI). Results are based on a mail survey in English

with 907 adults ages 18 or older who live in the state of Maryland. Data collection,

administered by the Scantron Corporation, ran from May 21 to August 1, 2016.

The margin of sampling error for the complete set of weighted data is ±4.3 percentage

points. For more details on the design, execution and analysis of the survey, please see the

full methodological report, which can be found in Appendix 2 of this report.

1 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Chapter 1: Millennials lead older generations in their certainty

that climate change is happening, understanding of human

causes, and concern over its effects

Views on climate change are related to age, with younger Marylanders most likely to say that

climate change is happening and each older generation sharing this view less and less. Eighty-

nine percent of Millennials (ages 18-35) and 84 percent of Generation X (ages 36-51) say climate

change is currently happening, compared with 75 percent of Baby Boomers (ages 52-70) and 62

percent of the oldest residents from the Silent and Greatest (G.I.) Generations (ages 71 or older).

Moreover, they are the generation most likely to say that climate scientists are in consensus on

this. Six in ten Millennials (64%) say that 81-100 percent of climate scientists are in agreement.

This figure drops to 58 percent among Gen Xers, 51 percent of Boomers and 39 percent of the

Silent and Greatest Generations. These oldest Marylanders tend to report being unsure of the

opinions of the scientific community on this subject, with 31 percent saying they do not know what

percentage of climate scientists say climate change is happening.

Not only are Millennials the most likely of any other generation to say that climate change is

happening, these youngest Marylanders are also the most likely to say that people, not natural

shifts in the environment, are the reason for climate change.

A solid majority of Millennials (61%) feel strongly that climate change is human-induced, with 41

percent saying humans are mostly the cause and another 20 percent saying they are entirely the

cause. One-third say climate change is the result of a mix of human and natural changes. Just

three percent say natural environmental shifts cause climate change and another three percent

just do not know.

33%

41%

45%

61%

30%

28%

29%

33%

12%

17%

11%

3%

15%

9%

3%

10%

6%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Silent/G.I.

Boomers

Generation X

Millennials

Figure 1: If you think climate change is happening, what do you think is

causing it?

All/Mostly Human Both equally All/Mostly Natural Don't know I don't think climate

change is happening

2 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

A plurality among each generation of older residents -- Gen X, Boomers, and Silent/Greatest

Generation -- also say climate change is human-caused but by a much smaller margin than their

younger counterparts. At 15 percent, Maryland's oldest residents (ages 71 or older) are the most

likely to be uncertain what causes climate change.

Millennials are uneasy about climate change effects

The state’s youngest adult inhabitants, Millennials (ages 18-35), presumably have the most years

left to live and therefore the most time exposed to the negative impacts resulting from climate

change, compared with their older counterparts. They are also the generation most likely to have

children who will ultimately have to deal with these environmental changes.

Of the twelve possible environmental effects asked about in the current survey, a majority of

Millennials say that eight of them will likely happen in their communities over the next 10 to 20

years.

Almost nine in ten Millennials say climate change will cause hotter and hotter weather over the

next several years. Seventy-five percent expect more severe storms and 58 percent expect

heavier rains. Two-thirds think increased air pollution is a likely effect.

Millennials are also concerned about aquatic impacts from climate change. Sixty-three percent

say climate change will cause an increase in harmful bacteria or toxins with warmer water

temperatures, and almost as many, 59 percent, say there will be more water pollution. About half,

52 percent, expect coastal sea levels to rise.

Six in ten Millennials predict colder weather will ensue from climate change, compared with less

than half of Gen Xers and Boomers (48% each) and 28 percent of those age 71 or older.

3 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Millennials say climate change will harm community resources

Just as they expressed alarm that climate change would negatively impact various aspects of the

environmental landscape, from temperatures to air quality to severe weather, Millennials (ages

18-35) are also the most likely of any age group to say their communities face many risks

because of climate change.

9%

18%

23%

35%

36%

46%

47%

52%

53%

63%

72%

6%

23%

29%

46%

40%

59%

52%

58%

63%

66%

75%

87%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

No likely effects from climate change

Longer growing season

Wildfires

Warming of cold-water streams

More frequent droughts

Colder weather

Increased water pollution

Rising coastal sea levels

Heavier rains

Increased harmful bacteria and

toxins with warmer waters

Increased air pollution

More severe storms

Hotter weather

Figure 2: Effects of climate change in the next 10-20 years

Millennials Statewide

4 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Among these young residents, 69 percent say people may endure health problems due to climate

change. Almost as many Millennials, 67 percent, say the state’s agricultural industry may be

harmed.

Roughly two-thirds of Millennials report many other community resources may be hurt by effects

from climate change, including harm to Maryland’s wildlife (65%), the Chesapeake Bay (65%), the

state’s fishing industry (65%) and aquatic life like crabs and fish (64%).

Fewer but sizeable shares of Millennials say the state’s man-made infrastructure like its bridges

and roads (46%) or public sewer system (41%) may be damaged by climate change.

11%

20%

22%

31%

33%

42%

46%

51%

53%

54%

57%

59%

60%

8%

32%

34%

46%

41%

42%

55%

65%

61%

67%

61%

65%

64%

69%

65%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

No local risks from climate change

Historical sites

Privately owned land/buildings

Transportation/roads/bridges

Public sewer systems

Private wells/septic systems

Forests

Wetlands

Wildlife

Public water supplies

Agriculture

Coastlines

Fishing/Seafood industry

Aquatic life (fish/crabs/etc.)

People's health

Chesapeake Bay

Figure 3: Resources harmed by climate change in next several

years

Millennials Statewide

5 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Chapter 2: Marylanders say crime, schools, jobs and water

pollution should be top priorities for state government; more than

half say the same for climate change

Many Marylanders want their elected officials to address environmental matters, but they tend to

give other issues like crime, education and jobs greater priority. At the top of the list of priorities

for the state government is lowering crime, followed closely by improving schools and job creation,

according to the latest installment of the joint GMU-Johns Hopkins poll.

The importance of addressing climate change has climbed a few rungs since 2015, considered as

a high or very high priority by 55 percent of Maryland adults.

Crime, schools and jobs are chief concerns

When asked to rate how high a priority twelve (12) items should be for Maryland’s General

Assembly and the Governor, lowering crime is at the top of the list. Eighty-eight percent say that

lowering crime should be a high or very high priority, with more than six in ten (62%) rating this as

a very high priority. Improving schools and creating jobs are close behind, each rated as a high or

very high priority by 86 percent of Marylanders.

3%

5%

10%

7%

4%

8%

2%

1%

0%

15%

13%

8%

11%

12%

7%

6%

3%

2%

3%

1%

30%

26%

22%

30%

28%

22%

23%

17%

11%

29%

26%

28%

26%

32%

31%

33%

30%

26%

23%

26%

28%

29%

33%

38%

40%

46%

56%

62%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Protecting coastal areas from storms and flooding

Lowering rates of asthma and respiratory disease

Addressing climate change

Making public transportation

more accessible and affordable

Expanding tax credits for renewable energy

Addressing racial inequalities

Reducing air pollution

Reducing home energy costs

Reducing water pollution

Improving schools

Creating jobs

Lowering crime

Figure 4: How much of a priority should these topics be for Maryland's

General Assembly and the Governor?

Not a priority Low Medium High Very high

6 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Addressing climate change reaches a new priority high

Climate change may not surpass other priorities like crime, jobs and education, but more

Maryland residents today point to it as a top priority for the state government. Fifty-five percent of

Old Line State adults consider climate change to be a high or very high priority. Another one in five

consider it a medium priority.

Ratings of climate change by subgroup

Climate change is an issue that is more important to women than men, the 2016 survey finds. Six

out of 10 women think climate change should be a high or very high priority, compared with one-

half of men. In contrast, men are almost twice as likely as women to say that the issue does not

amount to more than a low priority (32% Men, Low/Not a priority v. 17% Women, Low/Not a

priority).

By race, seven in ten minorities want the General Assembly to prioritize climate change, compared

with less than half of white Marylanders (46%). Whites (32%) are three times more likely than

minorities as a whole (10%) and almost five times as likely as black or African-American residents

(7%) to say that climate change should be low or no priority.

Climate change is a higher priority for Marylanders today

Over the last twelve months, climate change has crept up in importance. A majority currently rate

climate change as a high or very high priority, up nine percentage points since 2015. We have

also seen a drop in the percentage of adults who think climate change is a low priority, or not a

priority at all (23% in 2016 v. 29% in 2015).

9%

14%

10%

12%

15%

13%

28%

25%

22%

30%

23%

29%

21%

23%

26%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

2014

2015

2016

Figure 5: How much of a priority should climate change be for

Maryland's General Assembly and the Governor?

Not a priority Low Medium High Very high

7 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Compared with two years ago, it is interesting to note that the shift towards higher priority may be

largely due to fewer rating climate change as a medium priority and more as a very high priority.

Environmental concerns rank high among residents and their views have remained

steady

In addition to increased support for addressing climate change, residents of the Old Line State

place high priority on addressing environmental concerns that are affected by climate change:

water and air pollution, respiratory illnesses, higher home energy costs, and coastal areas prone

to storm or flood damage. Marylanders also would like to see the state tackle public

transportation and renewable energy, two policy areas tied to climate change.

About eight in ten want the state government to prioritize reducing water pollution, and seven in

ten place high value on prioritizing a reduction in air pollution. More than half also want the

General Assembly and Governor to work on ways to lower rates of asthma and respiratory disease,

cited as a high or very high priority by 55 percent of Marylanders.

Also high on the list are energy priorities that could help residents ease financial burdens.

Seventy-one percent would very much like to see legislators work towards lowering their home

energy costs. Almost six in ten say expanding tax credits for renewable energy should be a high or

very high priority.

Residents’ views on prioritizing environmental issues has remained relatively steady over the last

two years.

Table 1: Top environmental priorities by year

(Rated “High” or “Very high”)

2016

2015

2014

Reducing water pollution

79%

76%

81%

Reducing air pollution

69%

68%

73%

Addressing climate change

55%

46%

51%

Protecting coastal areas from storms and flooding2

53%

66%

55%

Maryland adults are unhappy with water pollution and want the General Assembly and the

Governor to work together to find solutions. For a state which identifies itself with the Chesapeake

Bay, more three-quarters of residents have rated reducing water pollution as a high or very high

priority since 2014.

2

In 2014, the item wording was “Protecting coastal areas from sea-level rise.” The 2015 wording matches the

current survey.

8 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Seven in ten Marylanders say reducing air pollution is a top priority, unchanged from the previous

two years. Protecting coastal areas from storms and flooding has seen a sharp decline in the last

twelve months, down 13 percentage points since 2015 but similar to the 2014 finding.

Top priorities among different demographic groups

For all twelve priorities asked about in the 2016 survey, strong majorities of key demographic

subgroups across sex, generation, race, education and income say that each should be at least a

medium priority for the state government. In fact, majorities of almost all demographic subgroups

rate each of the priorities as high or very high. However, there are some noteworthy differences.

Black or African-Americans are more likely than whites to regard every topic on the list as a high or

very high priority. They are twice as likely as white Marylanders to consider addressing racial

inequalities and improving the accessibility and affordability of public transportation as top state

priorities. Black residents are also often more likely than other minorities to prioritize these topics

so highly.

Table 2: Top priorities by race

(Rated “High” or “Very high”)

White

Black

Other

Lowering crime

86%

95%

81%

Improving schools

83%

96%

86%

Creating jobs

81%

97%

85%

Reducing water pollution

75%

88%

83%

Reducing home energy costs

63%

86%

79%

Reducing air pollution

64%

79%

76%

Addressing racial inequalities

42%

91%

72%

Expanding tax credits for renewable energy

50%

70%

67%

Lowering rates of asthma and respiratory disease

47%

75%

60%

Addressing climate change

46%

72%

63%

Making public transportation more accessible and

affordable

41%

82%

67%

Protecting coastal areas from storms and flooding

46%

68%

57%

9 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

There are also sharp differences by educational attainment. For all but two items on the list,

3

those who have a high school diploma or less are more likely than college graduates to place a

high premium on these social, environmental and health issues.

Table 3: Top priorities by education

(Rated “High” or “Very high”)

HS grad or less

College graduate

Lowering crime

92%

82%

Creating jobs

90%

81%

Reducing water pollution

85%

75%

Reducing home energy costs

83%

60%

Reducing air pollution

77%

65%

Addressing racial inequalities

70%

53%

Expanding tax credits for renewable energy

63%

50%

Lowering rates of asthma and respiratory disease

71%

44%

Addressing climate change

65%

51%

Protecting coastal areas from storms and flooding

67%

44%

When it comes to Maryland’s working class – that is, those with household incomes of under

$50,000 – it should come as no surprise that these adults are more likely than those with higher

incomes to rate issues that directly affect their bottom line as high or very high. Eighty-six percent

of working class Marylanders want the General Assembly to prioritize reducing their home energy

costs, compared with 61 percent of higher-income adults.

Climate change and its impacts are important to likely voters

Elected officials may be particularly interested in which issues voters place the most importance.

Interestingly, the concerns of likely voters

4

line up with those of the general public.

Lowering crime, creating jobs and improving schools are the three top priorities among likely

voters, as they are for the general adult population.

Reducing water pollution should be a high or very high priority for the state government, say three-

quarters of likely voters. Two-thirds of likely voters place high value in reducing air pollution.

A majority of the general adult public in Maryland considers each of the twelve topics listed in the

survey to be a high or very high priority. Likely voters do as well, except for one area that perhaps

surprisingly fails to garner majority support: protecting coastal places from storms and flooding.

3

There are no differences in terms of education for the following two issues: “Improving schools” and “Making

public transportation more accessible and affordable”

4

Likely voters are defined as those who know where people in their neighborhood go to vote and say they always

or nearly always vote.

10 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

4%

12%

8%

4%

9%

2%

1%

0%

16%

13%

9%

11%

15%

7%

4%

2%

3%

1%

34%

28%

22%

33%

28%

24%

23%

25%

19%

12%

13%

27%

29%

28%

27%

24%

32%

31%

36%

31%

33%

28%

20%

23%

26%

23%

30%

28%

35%

36%

40%

55%

50%

58%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Protecting coastal areas from storms and flooding

Lowering rates of asthma and respiratory disease

Addressing climate change

Making public transportation

more accessible and affordable

Expanding tax credits for renewable energy

Addressing racial inequalities

Reducing air pollution

Reducing home energy costs

Reducing water pollution

Improving schools

Creating jobs

Lowering crime

Figure 6: How much of a priority should these topics be for Maryland's

General Assembly and the Governor?

(Among Likely Voters)

Not a priority Low Medium High Very high

11 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Chapter 3: Most Marylanders say climate change is happening

Nationally, 70 percent of Americans say global warming is happening, according to the Yale

Program on Climate Change Communication.

5

Three-quarters of Marylanders (77%) say they

believe that climate change is currently happening. One in ten say it is not happening and 13

percent say they are unsure.

Among residents who say that climate change is happening, virtually all of them say they are at

least somewhat sure that their belief is true. Three in ten say they are extremely sure climate

change is currently happening and another 41 percent say they are very sure. Just a handful are

not at all sure in their conviction that climate change is happening.

In contrast, those who say climate change is not happening express less confidence. Less than

half, or 46 percent, say they are extremely or very sure that climate change is not happening.

Another 40 percent say they are somewhat sure and 14 percent are not sure at all.

5

Yale Program on Climate Change Communication: http://climatecommunication.yale.edu/publications/climate-

change-american-mind-march-2016/

Extremely sure, 30% Very sure, 41%

Somewhat sure,

27%

Not at all sure, 2%

Figure 7: How sure are you that climate change is

currently happening?

12 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Residents divide along educational and ideological lines

There is a relationship between education and understanding of climate change. The more

education obtained, the more likely the adult is to say that climate change is happening. Eighty-

two percent of college graduates and 79 percent of those with some college education say that

that climate change is happening, compared with 70 percent of those with a high school diploma

or less. Marylanders with a high school education or less are more than twice as likely as college

graduates to report that they are not sure if climate change is happening or not (22% high school

graduate or less v. 9% college graduate).

Climate change has long been a partisan and ideological issue. Among those who describe

themselves as politically liberal, 93 percent believe in climate change. That drops to 79 percent

among moderates and 62 percent among conservatives.

Understanding of climate change rises slightly

The percentage of Marylanders who say climate change is happening has risen slightly in the last

twelve months, from 72 percent in 2015 to 77 percent in 2016. The current finding is consistent

with 2014 estimates when 77 percent said climate change was happening but falls short of the

high of 86 percent in 2013.

Table 4: Do you think that climate change is currently happening?

2016

2015

2014

2013

Yes

77%

72%

77%

86%

No

10%

13%

10%

11%

Don't know

13%

15%

13%

3%

Over the last three years, from 2013 to 2016, we have seen relatively stable percentages for

Marylanders who do not think climate change is happening, ranging from 10 to 13 percent. The

last two years of polling have shown steady numbers for those who are unsure if climate change is

happening, ranging from 13 to 15 percent. In 2013, the share of those who were uncertain was at

its lowest levels, four to five times less than what we have seen since 2014.

13 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Chapter 4: Most Marylanders say humans play a role in causing

climate change

When it comes to what is causing climate change, most residents of the Old Line State point the

finger at human activity, while far fewer say natural changes in the environment are the root

cause. Forty-five percent believe human activities are mostly (31%) or entirely (14%) the reason

why climate change is happening. Just one in ten (11%) say natural changes in the environment

cause climate change (9% mostly and 2% entirely caused by natural changes).

A sizeable percentage (30%) say that climate change is due equally to human activities and

natural environmental changes. Altogether, 75 percent of residents say climate change is at least

partly triggered by humans, compared with 41 percent who believe the changes are natural.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, among those who believe climate change is happening, a majority, or 53

percent, ascribe causation to human factors. One-third of this group (33%) say climate change is

equally caused by humans and natural shifts, and ten percent say environmental changes are the

result of natural causes.

A majority of college graduates say climate change is caused by humans

Education is linked to how Marylanders understand the science of climate change. The higher the

level of education, the more likely that human activity is seen as the major contributing factor to

climate change.

35%

44%

52%

35%

26%

29%

9%

15%

10%

14%

9%

6%

8%

5%

4%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

HS graduate or less

Some college

College graduate

Figure 8: If you think climate change is happening, what do you think

is causing it?

All/Mostly Human Both equally All/Mostly Natural Don't know I don't think climate

change is happening

14 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

One-half of college graduates say climate change is mostly or entirely caused by human activities.

Another 29 percent hand equal responsibility to humans and natural changes. Ten percent think

natural changes are mostly or entirely the source for climate change and fewer (6%) simply do not

know.

Among those with a high school diploma or less, about a third attribute climate change to human

activities and another third attribute it equally to humans and natural shifts. Of the three

educational levels, high school graduates more often report not knowing enough to say what the

cause of climate change is.

Views on how to legislatively prioritize climate change make a difference

Marylanders say government intervention is needed to address climate change, with a majority

stating that the General Assembly and the Governor should make climate change a high or very

high priority. Those who consider climate change a major legislative priority are more apt to

understand that humans are the primary reason for these environmental changes. Nearly six in

ten of those who say climate change should be a high or very high priority for elected officials say

that people are mostly (41%) or entirely (17%) responsible for climate change.

Of those who would rate climate change as a low priority or no priority for state legislators,

opinions about what causes climate change are more split. Twenty-eight percent say the causes

are both human- and naturally-induced. A similar share, 27 percent, say climate change is mostly

or entirely caused by natural changes in the environment.

Table 5: Causes of climate change by views on priority

Climate change is…

Climate

change is a

high or very

high priority

Climate

change is a

medium

priority

Climate

change is a

low or no

priority

Caused mostly or entirely by humans

58%

36%

19%

Caused equally by humans and natural causes

26%

40%

28%

Caused mostly or entirely by natural causes

6%

9%

27%

15 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Views on human-caused climate change are unchanged since 2015 and

up since 2014

The lion's share of Maryland residents, 45 percent, say that climate change is caused in most part

by human activities. This 2016 finding remains unchanged since 2015 when 45 percent also held

this opinion. Other 2016 results on this measure also remain consistent with findings from a year

ago.

Table 6: Causes of climate change

Climate change is…

2016

2015

2014

Caused mostly or entirely by humans

45%

37%

Caused equally by humans and natural causes

30%

33%

36%

Caused mostly or entirely by natural causes

11%

9%

11%

However, compared with 2014, current opinion on the subject has shift more substantially. Two

years ago, fewer Marylanders attributed climate change to human activity (37%) and more adults

thought it was caused equally by a humans and natural shifts in the environment (36%).

16 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Chapter 5: Marylanders overwhelmingly support government

protection against climate change

Marylanders overwhelmingly support government involvement in taking protections against

climate change. Fully three-quarters are in favor of state and local governments taking action to

protect their communities against the harmful effects caused by climate change. Nearly half, or

47 percent, strongly support government action. Just one in seven Marylanders stand in

opposition to governments taking these steps and another 12 percent do not know if they support

or oppose government involvement.

Overall support for environmental protection by state and local governments has remained steady

among residents of the Chesapeake State throughout the last few years. However, strong support

for government action has increased over the last two years.

Table 7: Support for government involvement

2016

2015

2014

2013

NET Support

75%

71%

73%

76%

Strongly support

47%

46%

39%

40%

Somewhat support

28%

25%

34%

36%

NET Oppose

14%

13%

Somewhat oppose

7%

5%

6%

Strongly oppose

7%

9%

8%

7%

Don't know

12%

15%

14%

11%

Strongly support,

47%

Somewhat support,

28%

Somewhat oppose,

7%

Strongly oppose, 7%

Don't know, 12%

Figure 9: How much do you support or oppose state or local

governments taking action to protect your community against

harm caused by climate change?

17 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Over the last two to three years, the public's strength in support for state and local government

protection when it comes to climate change has seen a boost. Currently, 47 percent strongly

support government involvement, up eight points since 2014 and seven points since 2013. The

shift in percentages, as we can see in the previous table, is due to fewer proclaiming moderate

support and more coming out in strong favor of government protection of communities from

climate change.

Liberals back government help by a substantial margin

Conservatives have long been anti-big government while liberals tend to be proponents of

government assistance. Even so, a majority of conservatives and moderates support government

protections against the effects of climate change.

Almost all liberals, 94 percent, are in favor of governments protecting their local communities

from the harmful effects of climate change. A negligible one percent is opposed. In contrast, 53

percent of conservatives support government protection and 30 percent are opposed. It is notable

that a majority of conservatives, albeit a slim margin, support government protection of local

communities against climate change.

94%

78%

53%

1%

10%

30%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Liberals

Moderates

Conservatives

Figure 10: Support for government protection by ideology

Oppose Support

18 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Chapter 6: Public understanding of the scientific consensus on

climate change reaches a high

Significant percentages of Maryland residents are unsure where the general public stands on

climate change, but for the first time since this research began in 2013, a majority say climate

scientists are in agreement that climate change is happening.

Roughly three in ten adults say they “don’t know” what percentage of people in their region in

Maryland, people statewide or people in the overall U.S. think that climate change is happening.

However, less than a third say that the number is above 60 percent.

On the other hand, there is wider agreement that climate scientists are in consensus that climate

change is happening. Currently, 53 percent of state residents say that 81-100 percent of climate

scientists take the position that Earth is currently experiencing climate change. Just one-quarter

say that the percentage of climate scientists who hold these views is 80 percent or less. About

another quarter (22%) are not sure what the scientific community thinks about this topic.

Many underestimate the social consensus on climate change

Are Marylanders correct in their estimates of the consensus, or are they aiming too low or too

high? It depends on whether they are evaluating the general public or the scientific community.

Residents largely underestimate the social consensus of the public but most are correct about the

scientific community.

Between 39 percent and 47 percent of Marylanders underestimate the social consensus on

climate change for their region, the state of Maryland and nationwide. Only about two in ten

residents can identify the correct range.

30% 32% 26% 22%

6% 4% 3% 3%

14% 11% 14%

4%

23% 24% 30%

6%

18% 20% 18%

12%

10% 8% 9%

53%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

People in my MD region Statewide Maryland Nationwide residents Climate scientists

Figure 11: To the best of your knowledge, what percentage

of the following people think climate change is happening?

Don't know 0-20% 21-40% 41-60% 61-80% 81-100%

19 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Table 8: To the best of your knowledge, what percentage of the

following people think climate change is happening?6

Under-

estimate

Correct

Over-

estimate

Don't

know

People in my region in Maryland

(Correct: 61-80%)

43%

18%

10%

30%

Statewide Marylanders

(Correct: 77%)

39%

20%

8%

32%

People in the United States

(Correct: 70%)

47%

18%

9%

26%

Climate scientists

(Correct: 97%)

25%

53%

- -%

22%

However, a majority, 53 percent, can correctly identify the scientific consensus, up seven points

from the 2015 finding (46%). Just one-quarter in this year's study underestimate the percentage

of climate scientists who think climate change is happening.

More Marylanders than ever understand the consensus

Over the last twelve months, there has been no real change in what Marylanders believe to be the

percentage of the regional, state and national public that say climate change is happening. More

importantly, significant percentages of residents say they do not know what others think about

climate change, with uncertainty largest at the state and regional levels. These findings have

remained stable since 2015.

6

Figures for the correct social or scientific consensus come from the following sources:

[1] Regional figure: Akerlof, K., Winch, P., Parker, C., & Buckland, A. (2015). Public perceptions of climate

change, fall 2015. Fairfax, VA: Center for Climate Change Communication, George Mason University.

[2] National figure: Yale Program on Climate Change Communication:

http://climatecommunication.yale.edu/publications/climate-change-american-mind-march-2016/

[3] Scientific consensus: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS):

http://whatweknow.aaas.org/

20 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Table 9: Uncertainty about others’ climate change views

2016

2015

Don’t know what percentage of people in my region

in Maryland think climate change is happening

30%

29%

Don’t know what percentage of statewide

Marylanders think climate change is happening

32%

28%

Don’t know what percentage of people in the United

States think climate change is happening

26%

24%

Don’t know what percentage of climate scientists

think climate change is happening

22%

25%

However, even though many residents cannot speak to where the general public is on climate

change, Marylanders are increasingly convinced that the scientific community agrees these

changes are happening. Fifty-three percent of residents say that more than 80 percent of climate

scientists believe in climate change. This latest finding shows an increase of seven points since

2015 and staggering increases of 28 points since 2014 and 30 points since 2013.

23%

26%

46%

53%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

2013 2014 2015 2016

Figure 12: More Marylanders now say 81-100% of

climate scientists think climate change is happening

21 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

More educated, liberals say there is a scientific consensus on climate

Sixty-four percent of college graduates report that there is agreement among more than 80

percent of climate scientists when it comes to climate change. This certainty drops to less than

half among those with lower levels of education (48% some college and 41% high graduates or

less).

Residents with liberal political views not only say climate change is happening in higher numbers

than moderates or conservatives, they are also more likely to say that climate scientists are in

agreement on climate change, too. Equal shares of moderates and conservatives express they do

not know enough to say.

27% 24%

10%

16% 12%

8%

13%

11%

12%

43% 48% 69%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Conservative Moderate Liberal

Figure 13: To the best of your knowledge, what percentage

of climate scientists think climate change is happening?

Don't know 0-60% 61-80% 81-100%

22 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Chapter 7: Most think that hotter weather due to climate change

will likely occur in their community in the next decade or two

Many point to planetary warming trends as the biggest concerns stemming from climate change.

In fact, July 2016 was the warmest month on record in 136 years of record-keeping, according to

NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies.

7

“It wasn’t by the widest of margins, but July 2016 was the warmest month since modern

record keeping began in 1880,” said GISS Director Gavin Schmidt. “It appears almost a

certainty that 2016 also will be the warmest year on record.”

In this year’s study, residents were once again asked what they think are the likely effects on their

community as a result of climate change. Hotter weather tops the list.

Most Marylanders (72%) say that hotter weather due to climate change will occur in their

community in the next decade or two. Six in ten (63%) say their communities will face more severe

storms because of climate change. Majorities also say that they will be dealing with increased air

7

NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies: http://climate.nasa.gov/news/2479/nasa-analysis-finds-july-2016-

is-warmest-on-record/

9%

18%

23%

35%

36%

46%

47%

52%

53%

63%

72%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

No likely effects from climate change

Longer growing season

Wildfires

Warming of cold-water streams

More frequent droughts

Colder weather

Increased water pollution

Rising coastal sea levels

Heavier rains

Increased harmful bacteria and

toxins with warmer waters

Increased air pollution

More severe storms

Hotter weather

Figure 14: Effects of climate change in the next 10-20 years

23 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

pollution (53%), increased levels of harmful bacteria and toxins with warmer waters (53%) and

heavier rains (52%).

Almost half predict their communities will be dealing with rising coastal sea levels as well as

increased water pollution, which is unhappy news for a state with one of the busiest shipping

ports in the country and $67 million fishing industry.

8

Warmer weather is not the only temperature concern. Forty-six percent of residents say they will

see colder weather as a result of climate change over the next 10 to 20 years.

Nine percent think there will be no likely effects from climate change over the next decade or two.

There are noteworthy shifts in likely effects since 2015 and 2014

Seventy-two percent say that hotter weather will occur over the next 10 to 20 years, roughly equal

to 2014 and 2015.

Six in ten of today’s residents say their communities will face more severe storms, up four points

over the last twelve months but not as high as the 70 percent we saw in 2014.

Table 10: Perceived likely effects from climate change

2016

2015

2014

Hotter weather

72%

70%

74%

More severe storms

63%

59%

70%

Increased air pollution

53%

46%

47%

Heavier rains

52%

42%

57%

Rising coastal sea levels

47%

48%

49%

Colder weather

46%

52%

65%

More frequent droughts

36%

42%

41%

Warming of cold-water streams

35%

34%

28%

Wildfires

23%

28%

22%

Longer growing season

18%

15%

16%

For the first time, a majority of Marylanders (53%) expect there to be an increase in air pollution

because of climate change, six to seven percentage points more than in years past.

More than half say heavier rains will affect their communities in the next decade or two, jumping

10 points since 2015 and down five points since 2014.

8

http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/01glance/economy/html/economy.html

24 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

This year’s study has also seen a decrease in the share of residents who say climate change will

cause colder weather in their communities. Just shy of half (46%) cite colder weather as a likely

effect of climate change, down a bit from 2015 (52%) and more significantly from 2014 (65%).

Fewer today expect more frequent droughts (36% v. 42% in 2015 and 41% in 2014).

Concerns about rising coastal sea levels, wildfires and longer growing seasons have been more or

less stable over the last two years.

25 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Chapter 8: Residents anticipate harm from climate change

Residents of the Old Line State report apprehension about a multitude of potential negative

impacts on the environment that they expect will stem from the continued accumulation of

greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. They also say a number of community resources will

deteriorate over the next several years because of climate change.

Topping the list, Marylanders are worried that the Chesapeake Bay and people’s health will be

harmed by climate change within the next several years. Sixty percent of Maryland’s adults say the

Chesapeake Bay will be harmed by climate change. Six in ten say the same about people’s health

in general.

Fifty-seven percent of residents are also concerned about the negative impact on aquatic life and

the fishing or seafood industry.

Over half say that Maryland’s coastlines, agriculture, public water supplies and wildlife will be

harmed by climate change. Somewhat fewer residents express that the state’s wetlands and

forests will suffer from climate change.

About one in ten (11%) do not think there will be any local risks due to climate change in the next

several years.

11%

20%

22%

31%

33%

42%

46%

51%

53%

54%

57%

59%

60%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

No local risks from climate change

Historical sites

Privately owned land/buildings

Transportation/roads/bridges

Public sewer systems

Private wells/septic systems

Forests

Wetlands

Wildlife

Public water supplies

Agriculture

Coastlines

Fishing/Seafood industry

Aquatic life (fish/crabs/etc.)

People's health

Chesapeake Bay

Figure 15: Resources harmed by climate change in next

several years

26 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Views on harms from climate change remain largely unchanged in the

last 12 months

What concerned Marylanders about climate change in 2015 still concerns them today. Across the

board, there are very few differences. Those who say the Chesapeake Bay and people’s health

might be harmed by climate change are both up slightly from 2015.

Table 11: Perceived harms from climate change9

2016

2015

2014

2013

Chesapeake Bay

60%

58%

n/a

People’s health

59%

57%

55%

67%

Aquatic life, such as fish and crabs

57%

62%

n/a

Fishing/seafood industry

57%

53%

n/a

Coastlines

54%

53%

65%

Agriculture

53%

56%

70%

Public water supplies

53%

50%

57%

Wildlife

51%

57%

47%

62%

Wetlands

46%

48%

47%

59%

Forests

42%

47%

62%

Private wells/septic systems

33%

31%

34%

39%

Public sewer systems

33%

31%

37%

38%

Transportation/roads/bridges

31%

41%

40%

Privately owned land/buildings

22%

20%

25%

28%

Historical sites

20%

24%

27%

The fishing industry has seen a slight uptick from 53 percent in 2015 to 57 percent in 2016.

Though a majority today (53%) still feel that the state’s agriculture may suffer because of climate

change, this represents a significant drop from just three years ago when 70 percent expressed

worry about Maryland’s agricultural industry.

Damage to their local roads and bridges is less of concern now than it was in both 2013 and

2014.

9

In the 2013 and 2014 studies, “Forests/Wildlife” were asked as one item.

27 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Appendices

28 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

29 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Appendix 1: Topline Results

HEALTHY PEOPLE, HEALTHY PLACES:

A SURVEY OF MARYLANDERS ON PUBLIC HEALTH, ENERGY, AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT

PRINCETON SURVEY RESEARCH ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL FOR

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY AND

THE JOHNS HOPKINS BLOOMBERG SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

TOPLINE RESULTS

AUGUST 31, 2016

Total N=907 Maryland adults ages 18 or older

Margins of Error: ± 4.3 percentage points for results based on Total [N=907]

Mail data collection dates: May 21-August 1, 2016

Questionnaire language: English only

Topline notes: Unless otherwise indicated, percentages are based on Total answering.

Because percentages are rounded, they may not total 100%.

An asterisk (*) indicates less than 0.5%.

INTRODUCTION

Dear Fellow Marylander,

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, in cooperation with George Mason University, welcomes a

select number of households in Maryland, yours among them, to take this 15-20 minute survey about our health,

environment and the energy we use.

Please have an adult in your household fill out the questionnaire. If there is more than one adult in your household we

ask that the person who has had the most recent birthday fill out the survey, if possible. This method will provide us

with a random sample of participants from the state of Maryland and each of its four regions. Answers to the

questionnaire will help organizations in the state, like non-profits and local and state government agencies, better

provide services to improve the health and well-being of our communities.

Thanks for taking the time to help us protect, and improve, our quality of life here in Maryland.

Sincerely,

Peter Winch, MD, MPH

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

30 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

STUDY INFORMATION

Research procedures: This research is being conducted to inform the work of local and state government agencies,

universities, and non-profit organizations in promoting healthy people and places in Maryland. No state funds are

being used in this project; it is being funded by the Town Creek Foundation of Easton, Maryland. If you agree to

participate, this questionnaire will take about 15-20 minutes to complete.

Benefits: There are no benefits to you as a participant in completing this survey other than to further understanding of

Marylanders’ beliefs about public health, energy and the environment.

Confidentiality: Your information will be kept completely confidential. Only the George Mason University research

investigators will have access to the surveys; these will be kept in a locked cabinet on the university’s Fairfax campus.

Both Mason and Johns Hopkins researchers will have access to the final electronic database with the survey

information, in which all personal identifiers have been removed (such as addresses and contact information). Other

researchers may apply to the George Mason research team to obtain access to the information.

Participation: Your participation is voluntary. If you decide not to participate or if you withdraw from the study, there is

no penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. There are no costs to you or any other party. A $2

thank you has been included with this survey.

Risks: There are no risks to you from participating in this research.

Contact: For more information, contact Karen Akerlof at (XXX) XXX-XXXX or XXXXXXXX@XXX.XXX. If you have questions

regarding your rights as a research participant, please contact the George Mason University Office of Research

Integrity & Assurance at (XXX) XXX-XXXX, or the Institutional Review Board for Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of

Public Health at (XXX) XX-XXXX.

This research has been reviewed according to George Mason University procedures governing your

participation in this research.

31 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

1. How much of a priority should these topics be for Maryland’s General Assembly and the Governor?

Not a

priority

Low

Medium

High

Very high

Unwt. N10

a. Making public transportation

more accessible and

affordable

7

8

30

26

28

(896)

b. Lowering rates of asthma and

respiratory disease

5

13

26

29

26

(893)

c. Reducing home energy costs

1

6

23

31

40

(897)

d. Creating jobs

*

3

11

30

56

(899)

e. Improving schools

*

2

11

30

56

(897)

f. Lowering crime

*

1

11

26

62

(895)

g. Reducing water pollution

1

3

17

33

46

(895)

h. Addressing racial inequalities

8

12

22

26

33

(891)

i. Protecting coastal areas from

storms and flooding

3

15

30

29

23

(889)

j. Reducing air pollution

2

7

22

32

38

(897)

k. Addressing climate change

10

13

22

29

26

(892)

l. Expanding tax credits for

renewable energy

4

11

28

29

(892)

2. Below is a list of potential risks to people’s health and well-being. How much of a risk do you feel each of the

following poses to your health and well-being?

No risk at

all

Minor

risk

Moderate

risk

Major

risk

Don’t

know

Unwt. N

a. Second-hand smoke from

tobacco

11

19

28

40

2

(899)

b. Exposure to chemicals,

including pesticides, in food

and other products

1

15

25

54

5

(903)

c. Air pollution

2

13

38

43

3

(900)

d. Extreme heat

9

24

38

26

3

(901)

e. Severe storms

8

32

36

21

3

(898)

f. Obesity

17

16

24

39

3

(896)

g. Polluted drinking water

6

19

18

50

6

(901)

h. Food-borne illnesses

6

23

30

35

7

(899)

i. Climate change

14

23

32

27

4

(899)

j. Insect-borne diseases

5

19

35

6

(902)

k. Flooding

15

35

32

16

2

(899)

l. Sea level rise

21

33

23

18

4

(901)

m. Pollution of local streams,

rivers, and other water bodies

3

16

30

45

6

(900)

10

"Unwt. N" reflects the unweighted N, or the number of respondents who provided an answer.

32 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

3. In the last 12 months, how much has your health been harmed by the following?

Not at all

harmed

Slightly

harmed

Moderately

harmed

Severely

harmed

Unwt. N

a. Pollen

31

35

25

10

(896)

b. Extreme heat

57

25

13

5

(895)

c. Severe storm(s)

67

22

8

3

(892)

d. Tick-borne disease, such as Lyme

disease

80

7

5

(896)

e. Mosquito-borne disease, such as

West Nile virus

84

6

4

(894)

f. Flooding

81

12

4

3

(897)

g. Poor outdoor air quality from air

pollution

52

31

12

5

(895)

h. Waterborne illness

83

9

4

3

(896)

i. Food-borne illness

71

19

6

4

(895)

j. Poor indoor air quality from mold

67

22

7

5

(895)

4. In the last 12 months, have you experienced one or more of the following?

UNWEIGHTED N=907

% Yes

a. Water damage of your home caused by heavy rains or

flooding

15

b. Impassable roads due to flooding or storm damage

17

c. Sewage overflows after strong rains or storms

6

d. Septic system failure due to higher groundwater or flooding

3

e. A storm-related power outage

45

f. No household water

8

g. No household heat (when needed)

8

h. No household air conditioning (when needed)

11

i. Lack of access to transportation

10

j. Lack of access to medical care

6

k. Lack of access to high quality/nutritious food

7

l. Insufficient financial resources to cover bills if unable to

work for 1-2 weeks

21

m. None of the above

28

None selected

3

33 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

5. The following statements are possible descriptions of your community. How strongly do you disagree or

agree?

Strongly

disagree

Some-

what

disagree

Neither

disagree

nor

agree

Some-

what

agree

Strongly

agree

Unwt. N

a. My community has the resources

it needs to take care of community

problems (resources include

money, information, technology,

tools, raw materials, and services).

11

13

21

35

19

(894)

b. People in my community are able

to get the services they need.

9

15

20

37

20

(896)

c. My community works with

organizations and agencies

outside the community to get

things done.

9

8

36

31

16

(895)

6. The next statements are possible descriptions of communication in your community. How strongly do you

disagree or agree?

Strongly

disagree

Some-

what

disagree

Neither

disagree

nor

agree

Some-

what

agree

Strongly

agree

Unwt. N

a. My community keeps people

informed (for example, via

television, radio, newspaper,

Internet, phone, neighbors) about

issues that are relevant to them.

9

11

15

38

28

(895)

b. I get information/communication

through my community to help

with my home and work life.

16

13

29

28

13

(891)

c. People in my community trust

public officials.

17

18

32

26

7

(892)

People’s responses to life events may differ. Below are some statements that people have made.

7. For each of the following, how strongly do you disagree or agree?

Strongly

disagree

Some-

what

disagree

Neither

disagree

nor

agree

Some-

what

agree

Strongly

agree

Unwt. N

a. There is no sense in planning a

lot—if something good is going to

happen, it will.

41

25

17

13

3

(894)

b. I am responsible for my own

successes.

3

5

33

54

(894)

c. I have little control over the bad

things that happen to me.

18

32

21

23

6

(897)

d. I am responsible for my failures.

2

10

12

41

36

(895)

34 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

8. People deal with difficult events in different ways. Typically, when you experience stress, what do you do?

Not at

all

A little

bit

A

medium

amount

A lot

Unwt. N

a. I concentrate my efforts on doing something

about it.

1

9

36

53

(891)

b. I turn to work or other activities to take my

mind off of it.

10

23

38

29

(887)

c. I try to come up with a strategy for what to do.

1

12

36

52

(890)

d. I just give up.

78

18

2

(889)

e. I talk to someone to find out more about the

situation.

7

24

42

28

(892)

f. I sleep more than usual.

57

23

12

7

(889)

g. I look for something good in what is

happening.

7

28

37

28

(888)

h. I learn to live with it.

16

36

33

16

(887)

i. I put my trust in God.

19

17

16

49

(888)

The next questions address new options in Maryland for managing our generation and use of electricity.

9. Have you ever heard the term, “Smart Grid,” in referring to new ways to generate and manage electricity?

UNWEIGHTED N=894

No

39

Yes

48

Don't know

13

10. Do you have a Smart Meter installed at your home? Smart Meters digitally monitor energy usage, convey the

information wirelessly to your energy utility, and provide it to you online. They are installed for free by your

electric utility.

UNWEIGHTED N=893

No

42

Yes

42

Don't know

16

35 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

11. Smart Grids will mean some changes for consumers. How likely would you be to…

Very

unlikely

Some-

what

unlikely

Some-

what

likely

Very

likely

Already

done

Not

appli-

cable

Unwt. N

a. welcome installation of a Smart Meter.

10

9

18

22

33

8

(881)

b. change the timing of activities that use

a lot of electricity, like clothes drying,

to take advantage of lower electricity

costs at night.

9

11

25

36

16

3

(886)

c. buy “smart appliances” that

automatically reduce energy use

during high demand.

5

10

24

36

20

6

(888)

d. install solar panels either for your

home or within your community and

sell energy back to the utility.

27

17

19

21

4

12

(886)

e. volunteer to automatically lower

energy use during high demand in

return for lower bills.

9

11

27

31

17

4

(883)

12. How strongly do you disagree or agree with the following statements?

Strongly

disagree

Some-

what

disagree

Some-

what

agree

Strongly

agree

Don't

know

Unwt. N

a. My home energy choices affect our

health and environment.

8

10

42

31

10

(890)

b. I am worried that Smart Meters threaten

people’s privacy.

24

18

25

10

23

(882)

c. I am worried that Smart Meters may be

harmful.

35

20

11

7

28

(885)

d. Variable electricity rates at different

times of day will help me lower my

energy bills.

6

8

44

23

19

(887)

e. I can’t afford to install solar panels even

if I could sell the electricity back to the

utility.

11

20

37

21

(884)

f. Generating my own energy is appealing

to me.

9

8

31

37

16

(889)

36 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

The next questions address the choices about energy sources we make as a state and in our own homes.

13. Over the next several years, do you think Maryland should use less, more, or about the same amount of each

of these sources of electrical energy? (Please note, no hydraulic fracturing of natural gas is currently

occurring in Maryland.)

Much

less

Some-

what

less

Same

amount

Some-

what

more

Much

more

Don't

know

Unwt. N

a. Coal

35

19

14

4

24

(884)

b. Petroleum (oil)

26

25

20

7

2

21

(880)

c. Natural gas extracted by

hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) in

Maryland

25

11

10

11

8

35

(872)

d. Other sources of natural gas

5

11

14

29

17

24

(868)

e. Wind

3

2

6

26

46

16

(884)

f. Nuclear

24

10

16

10

12

28

(879)

g. Solar

2

1

6

20

57

13

(882)

h. Hydroelectric (including dams)

3

5

17

20

29

26

(873)

i. Wood fuel

24

19

18

7

8

25

(878)

j. Incineration of waste

10

12

16

14

19

29

(880)

k. Gas from landfills

5

6

12

20

36

(885)

14. Please rate each of the following sources of electrical energy in terms of how harmful they are to people’s

health.

Not at all

harmful

Not very

harmful

Somewhat

harmful

Very

harmful

Don't

know

Unwt. N

a. Coal

2

8

32

41

16

(889)

b. Petroleum (oil)

2

14

42

23

19

(885)

c. Natural gas extracted by

hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) in

Maryland

4

13

21

24

37

(880)

d. Other sources of natural gas

5

31

22

7

36

(876)

e. Wind

64

17

5

2

12

(888)

f. Nuclear

6

15

24

33

21

(879)

g. Solar

67

16

3

2

12

(887)

h. Hydroelectric (including dams)

35

26

13

2

24

(882)

i. Wood fuel

7

22

36

14

22

(885)

j. Incineration of waste

6

15

35

15

30

(887)

k. Gas from landfills

9

22

23

14

33

(885)

15. How much more would you be willing to pay each month on your electricity bill to purchase 100% of your

electricity from these fuel sources?

Not willing

to pay more

$1-5

$6-10

$11-15

$16-20

More than

$20 a

month

Unwt. N

a. Wind

50

17

14

7

6

(876)

b. Solar

48

17

14

8

6

(878)

37 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Maryland has the longest average commute time in the United States. The questions below ask about your driving

habits and transportation preferences.

16. How frequently do you use the following forms of transportation to get to work, school, or other primary daily

activity?

Never

Some-

times

Most of

the time

Almost

always

Not

applicabl

e

Unwt. N

a. Drive car or truck (single occupant)

5

11

10

67

6

(889)

b. Carpool with others

53

27

3

4

12

(881)

c. Take the Metro, subway, or light rail

55

24

2

6

12

(886)

d. Ride a bus

62

20

2

6

10

(888)

e. Bike

71

14

1

2

12

(887)

f. Walk

44

35

6

9

(887)

17. How long is your average daily commute to work, school, or other primary daily activity?

UNWEIGHTED N=880

10 minutes or less

14

11-20 minutes

21

21-30 minutes

15

31-40 minutes

10

41-50 minutes

10

51-60 minutes

7

More than 1 hour

7

Not applicable

15

18. Please answer two questions for each of the items below. Is it hard or easy for you to take the following

actions? And, are they actions you would dislike or like doing, whether or not they are feasible?

Is it hard or easy for you to take

this action?

Would you dislike or like doing

this?

Hard/No

t feasible

Easy

Unwt. N

Dislike

Like

Unwt. N

a. Working from home

57

43

(825)

26

74

(774)

b. Biking or walking instead of

driving for primary daily

activities (work, school, etc.)

81

19

(836)

48

52

(785)

c. Using public transportation

71

29

(830)

63

37

(783)

d. Purchasing or leasing a fuel-

efficient car or truck

55

45

(821)

27

73

(792)

e. Purchasing or leasing a plug-

in electric vehicle, such as

the Nissan Leaf or Chevy Volt

73

27

(819)

48

52

(792)

38 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

19. How strongly do you disagree or agree with the following statements?

Strongly

disagree

Some-

what

disagree

Some-

what

agree

Strongly

agree

Don't

know

Unwt. N

a. Driving gasoline- or diesel-fueled cars

and trucks is a minimal source of air

pollution.

25

28

12

7

(887)

b. The tailpipes of gasoline- or diesel-fueled

motor vehicles release pollution that

contributes to climate change.

5

9

31

43

13

(888)

c. Pollution from these cars and trucks end

up in our waterways, where they become

a significant source of pollutants in the

Chesapeake Bay.

5

13

32

34

16

(888)

d. Pollution from these cars and trucks

includes toxic chemicals that harm

people’s health, including causing

cancer.

5

7

35

37

16

(885)

e. Living or working near a highway or

major roadway has little to no effect on

people’s health.

27

37

16

6

14

(882)

f. Plug-in electric vehicles pollute the air

less than gasoline- or diesel-fueled

vehicles.

4

27

48

16

(886)

g. Over the lifetime of the car, it is cheaper

to own and operate a plug-in electric

vehicle than one powered by gasoline or

diesel fuel.

6

12

14

16

52

(887)

20. Maryland has begun implementing policies to alleviate road congestion on highways and improve air quality.

For each of the following policies, please answer two questions: Have you heard of this policy? How much do

you support or oppose this policy?

Heard of this policy

Your support for this policy

Yes

No

Unwt.

N

Strongl

y

oppose

Some-

what

oppose

Neither

Some-

what

support

Strongl

y

support

Unwt.

N

a. Requiring new cars and

other vehicles in Maryland

to be less polluting

51

49

(872)

3

6

17

31

43

(878)

b. Variable express lane fees

based on road congestion

52

48

(854)

18

13

28

24

17

(877)

c. Extending tax credits and

other incentives for

purchases or leases of

plug-in electric vehicles

and charging equipment

44

56

(843)

7

8

25

31

28

(878)

d. Making improvements to

bike and pedestrian road

access

58

42

(839)

3

17

27

50

(877)

e. Promotion of public

transportation

59

41

(829)

2

3

24

31

40

(877)

39 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

21. Maryland has begun implementing policies to promote new sources of energy and use energy more

efficiently. For each of the following policies, please answer two questions: Have you heard of this policy?

How much do you support or oppose this policy?

Heard of this policy

Your support for this policy

Yes

No

Unwt.

N

Strongl

y

oppose

Some-

what

oppose

Neither

Some-

what

support

Strongl

y

support

Unwt.

N

a. Expanding rebates to help

people purchase energy-

efficient lighting and

appliances

51

49

(867)

4

2

12

28

55

(873)

b. Updating state and local

building codes to increase

energy efficiency and

enable electric vehicle

charging

32

68

(863)

3

4

24

33

36

(871)

c. Encouraging the

development of more

homes with better access

to public transportation, as

a means to reduce sprawl,

and preserve forests and

farmland

29

71

(857)

4

7

22

23

44

(871)

d. Funding energy efficiency

and conservation projects

that serve low- to middle-

income Marylanders

32

68

(856)

4

5

19

25

48

(868)

e. Requiring that Maryland’s

electricity suppliers provide

a percentage of their total

electricity from renewable

energy sources

37

63

(851)

4

18

28

47

(869)

f. Continuing financial

incentives for the

generation of renewable

energy (such as solar and

wind)

49

51

(846)

4

3

15

27

51

(872)

g. Modernizing Maryland’s

electricity grid to better

integrate renewable energy

and incentivize efficiency

31

69

(847)

2

18

28

49

(870)

40 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

22. Maryland is required to evaluate the economic impacts, including to jobs and industry, of its energy and

greenhouse gas reduction policies that are collectively called the “Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan.” How

likely do you think it is that these policies will accomplish the following?

Very

unlikely

Some-

what

unlikely

Some-

what

likely

Very

likely

Don't

know

Unwt. N

a. The policies will generate

between $2.5 billion and $3.5

billion in total economic benefits

by 2020.

13

17

21

5

44

(880)

b. The policies will create or

maintain 26,000 to 33,000 jobs

by 2020.

11

16

24

7

42

(880)

c. There will be no projected

impacts from these policies on

Maryland’s manufacturing

industries.

14

18

7

43

(881)

23. How much do you disagree or agree with the following? Stricter environmental laws in Maryland...

Strongly

disagree

Some-

what

disagree

Some-

what

agree

Strongly

agree

Don't

know

Unwt. N

a. cost jobs and hurt the economy.

20

21

22

12

25

(882)

b. are worth the cost because of

the public health benefits.

5

9

35

33

17

(882)

c. are worth the cost because of

the environmental benefits.

6

7

34

35

18

(883)

d. can fuel economic and jobs

growth.

7

11

33

21

28

(884)

We are interested in your opinion of how climate change may, or may not be, affecting your community.

24. Do you think that climate change is currently happening?

UNWEIGHTED N=895

Yes

77

No

10

Don't know

13

25. If you answered either yes or no, how sure are you?

UNWEIGHTED N=676 UNWEIGHTED N=107

Climate change is

happening

Climate change is not

happening

I’m not at all sure

2

14

I’m somewhat sure

27

40

I’m very sure

41

27

I’m extremely sure

30

19

41 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

26. If you think climate change is currently happening, what do you think is causing it?

UNWEIGHTED N=843

Caused entirely by human activities

14

Caused mostly by human activities

31

Caused about equally by human activities and natural changes in the

environment

30

Caused mostly by natural changes in the environment

9

Caused entirely by natural changes in the environment

2

I don’t think climate change is happening

5

Don't know

9

27. To the best of your knowledge, what percentage of the following people think climate change is happening?

0 to

20%

21 to

40%

41 to

60%

61 to

80%

81 to

100%

Don't

know

Unwt.

N

a. People in my region of Maryland

(Western, Central, Southern,

Eastern counties)

6

14

23

18

10

30

(888)

b. Maryland residents (statewide)

4

11

24

20

8

32

(886)

c. People in the United States

3

14

30

18

9

26

(885)

d. Climate scientists

3

4

6

12

53

22

(885)

28. How much do you think climate change is currently harming…?

Not at all

Only a

little

A

moderate

amount

A great

deal

Don't

know

Unwt. N

a. you personally

20

27

30

14

8

(888)

b. people in your community

15

23

33

14

16

(887)

c. people in Maryland

12

19

36

18

16

(893)

29. Which of the following do you think is likely to occur in your community as a result of climate change over the

next 10-20 years?

UNWEIGHTED N=907

% Yes

a. Hotter weather

72

b. Colder weather

46

c. Heavier rains

52

d. More frequent droughts

36

e. Wildfires

23

f. Increased air pollution

53

g. Warming of cold-water streams

35

h. Longer growing season

18

i. More severe storms

63

j. Rising coastal sea levels

47

k. Increased water pollution

46

l. Increased harmful bacteria and toxins with warmer waters

53

m. There are no likely effects from climate change

9

None selected

4

42 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

30. Which of the following resources in your community do you think may be harmed by climate change in the

next several years?

UNWEIGHTED N=907

% Yes

a. Public water supplies

53

b. Public sewer systems

33

c. People’s health

59

d. Transportation/roads/bridges

31

e. Historical sites

20

f. Coastlines

54

g. Wetlands

46

h. Forests

42

i. Wildlife

51

j. Chesapeake Bay

60

k. Aquatic life, such as fish and crabs

57

l. Agriculture

53

m. Fishing/seafood industry

57

n. Private wells/septic systems

33

o. Privately owned land/buildings

22

p. There are no local risks from climate

change

11

None selected

4

31. How much do you support or oppose state and local governments taking action to protect your community

against harm caused by climate change (if any)?

UNWEIGHTED N=856

Strongly oppose

7

Somewhat oppose

7

Somewhat support

28

Strongly support

47

Don't know

12

43 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

The information below will be used to ensure that the survey is representative of people in Maryland.

32. Are you:

UNWEIGHTED N=885

Male

44

Female

56

33. How old are you?

11

UNWEIGHTED N=790

18-29

15

30-49

36

50-64

29

65 or older

20

34. Do you rent or own your home?

UNWEIGHTED N=871

Rent

28

Own

68

Other (specify)

3

35. Are any children living in your household?

UNWEIGHTED N=892

Yes

35

No

60

Not applicable

5

36. What is the age of the youngest child?

UNWEIGHTED N=730

Less than 1 year

4

1-6 years

16

7-12 years

8

13-18 years

15

No children

57

11

Respondents were asked to write in their exact age. Ages have been grouped into categories in this topline.

44 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

37. What is the highest degree or level of school that you have completed?

UNWEIGHTED N=895

Less than high school

4

High school or GED

26

Some college, no degree

22

Associate’s degree

8

Bachelor’s degree

17

Advanced degree beyond a bachelor’s degree

22

38. Which of the following broad categories describes your household's total approximate annual income before

taxes?

UNWEIGHTED N=839

Less than $10,000

5

$10,000 — $14,999

5

$15,000 — $24,999

9

$25,000 — $34,999

7

$35,000 — $49,999

12

$50,000 — $74,999

18

$75,000 — $99,999

13

$100,000 — $149,999

18

$150,000 or more

13

39A/B. Think of this ladder as representing where people stand in their communities. People define community in

different ways, please define it in whatever way is most meaningful to you. Where would you place yourself

on this ladder, first for your community, and then for Maryland?

UNWEIGHTED N=846 UNWEIGHTED N=841

Q39A

Your standing in your community

Q39B

Your standing in Maryland

10 - Highest standing

6

5

9

6

5

8

14

12

7

18

15

6

13

15

5

19

18

4

7

8

3

9

6

2

4

8

1 - Lowest standing

4

7

40. Generally speaking, do you think of yourself as politically…

UNWEIGHTED N=888

Very conservative

11

Somewhat conservative

22

Moderate, middle of the road

39

Somewhat liberal

20

Very liberal

9

45 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

41. Do you happen to know where people who live in your neighborhood go to vote?

UNWEIGHTED N=896

No

6

Yes

80

Don't know

14

42. How often would you say you vote?

UNWEIGHTED N=898

Never

9

Seldom

6

Part of the time

10

Nearly always

25

Always

48

Don't know

2

43. What ethnicity do you consider yourself?

UNWEIGHTED N=858

Hispanic or Latino

7

Not Hispanic or Latino

93

44. What is your race?

12

UNWEIGHTED N=877

White

62

Black or African American

27

Asian

4

American Indian or Alaska Native

*

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

*

Other

5

Mixed race

2

Race/Ethnicity Summary table

43. What ethnicity do you consider yourself?

44. What is your race?

UNWEIGHTED N=878

White, non-Hispanic

59

Black or African American, non-Hispanic

26

Hispanic

7

Other/Mixed race, non-Hispanic

8

12

Respondents were allowed to select 1 or more races. Those who selected more than one are coded as “Mixed

race.”

46 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

45. How would you describe your primary current occupation, or former occupation, if retired?

UNWEIGHTED N=886

Blue collar or service industry

22

Clerical

7

Managerial or professional

44

Student

4

Homemaker

7

Other/not applicable

15

46. In the last 12 months, have you personally experienced one or more prolonged periods of stress of 1 month

or longer in relation to circumstances in everyday life, such as work, health, or a family situation? (Stress

refers to feelings of irritability, tension, nervousness, fear, anxiety, or sleep disturbances.)

UNWEIGHTED N=885

I have not experienced a prolonged period of stress

41

One period of prolonged stress

20

More than one period of prolonged stress

26

Constant stress

14

47. Have you ever been told by a doctor or health care provider that you have one or more of these conditions?

UNWEIGHTED N=907

% Yes

a. Asthma

12

b. COPD

5

c. Hypertension

24

d. Coronary heart disease

5

e. Stroke

2

f. Diabetes

12

g. Cancer

9

h. Weak or failing kidneys

2

i. Arthritis

21

j. Hepatitis

2

k. None of the above

46

None selected

3

Please provide any additional comments for us below.

UNWEIGHTED N=907

Wrote comment

17

No comment

83

47 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

INFO1. Would you like any additional information about some of the topics in the survey? If so, please mark the

topics of interest…

UNWEIGHTED N=907

% Yes

a. Home energy efficiency

13

b. Flooding protection

5

c. Protection against heat waves

7

d. Energy bill assistance

12

e. Energy fuel choices and health

10

f. Home and community renewable energy generation

10

g. Smart grid

13

Thank you for completing the survey!

Please use the enclosed postage-paid envelope to return this survey.

48 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

49 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Appendix 2: Methodology

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY AND

THE JOHNS HOPKINS BLOOMBERG SCHOOL OF PUBLIC

HEALTH

HEALTHY PEOPLE, HEALTHY PLACES:

A SURVEY OF MARYLANDERS ON PUBLIC HEALTH,

ENERGY, AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT

METHODOLOGICAL REPORT

PREPARED BY:

PRINCETON SURVEY RESEARCH ASSOCIATES INTL.

Princeton Office

Washington Office

600 Alexander Road, Suite 3-2

1211 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 305

Princeton, NJ 08540

Washington, DC 20036

(609) 924-9204

(202) 293-4710

August 2016

50 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

SUMMARY

The Healthy People, Healthy Places Survey, jointly sponsored by the Center For Climate Change

Communication at George Mason University (GMU) and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of

Public Health, obtained interviews with a sample of 907 households in the state of Maryland. The

survey was conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International (PSRAI). Data were

collected by postal mail by the Scantron Corporation from May 21 to August 1, 2016.

Details on the design, execution and analysis of the survey are discussed below.

DESIGN AND DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURES

Sample and Questionnaire Design

A sample of 4,201 Maryland households were randomly selected from Survey Sampling

International's household address databases, based primarily on U.S. Postal Service delivery route

information. In contrast to the previous waves of this study where sampling took place at the

regional level, sampling for the 2016 study was a simple random selection of households at the

state level. Sample was provided to PSRAI by GMU.

In addition to sample design, George Mason University also developed all mailing materials

including the mail questionnaire. Prior to printing or mailing any materials, GMU submitted and

received approval for all mailing materials from Johns Hopkins' IRB. The Scantron Corporation,

with a location based out of Columbia, PA, supplied, printed and distributed all mailings,

developed the scannable questionnaire form, and processed and scanned all returned

questionnaires into an electronic data format in accordance with an approved data codebook.

PSRAI coordinated the mailings and data collection with Scantron, cleaned, processed and

weighted the survey data, and produced the reporting and analysis.

Contact Procedures

Data were collected by mail from May 21 to August 1, 2016. Requests for participation were sent

to a total of 4,201 Maryland households. Each household was sent up to four mailings. All

mailings were freighted to Maryland and distributed by a local Maryland post office. Progress was

monitored regularly throughout the data collection period.

On April 20, 2016, advanced letters on Johns Hopkins letterhead were mailed to all 4,201

sampled households. The letter was signed by Dr. Peter Winch, a Professor in the Social and

Behavioral Interventions Program in the Department of International Health at the Johns Hopkins

Bloomberg School of Public Health. The letter explained that a survey about public health, energy

and Maryland’s environment would be arriving soon and encouraged the household's

participation. (All letters can be found in the Appendix.)

51 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

On May 21, 2016, the initial survey mailings on Johns Hopkins letterhead were mailed to 4,200

sampled households.

13

Each packet contained a questionnaire booklet, a postage paid return

envelope, a $2 bill, and a cover letter signed by Dr. Peter Winch. This cover letter explained the

survey and encouraged participation by an adult member of the household, age 18 or older. If

there was more than one adult in the household, instructions indicated that the person in the

household who has had the most recent birthday should complete the enclosed questionnaire.

On June 16, 2016, postcard reminders to non-responders were mailed to 3,626 households.

Excluded from the postcard mailing were households that had already completed the survey,

refused to participate, or had both previous mailings returned as undeliverable.

On June 29, 2016, a follow-up survey mailing on Johns Hopkins letterhead was mailed to 3,589

households. Excluded from the follow-up survey mailing were households that had already

completed the survey, refused to participate, or had the first two mailings returned as

undeliverable. Each packet contained a questionnaire booklet, a postage paid return envelope,

and a cover letter signed by Dr. Peter Winch. Affixed to each cover letter was a sticky note

indicating a study deadline of July 15 and offering participants a chance to be entered into a raffle

for a gift card.

WEIGHTING AND ANALYSIS

Weighting is generally used in survey analysis to compensate for sample designs and patterns of

non-response that might bias results. The sample was weighted to match Maryland adult general

population parameters.

The weighting adjusted sample demographics to known population parameters. The sample was

balanced to match parameters for sex, age, education, race/ethnicity, region and population

density. The basic weighting parameters came from and analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau’s

2014 American Community Survey data. The population density parameter was derived from

Census 2010 data at the county level.

Weighting was accomplished using SPSSINC RAKE, an SPSS extension module that

simultaneously balances the distributions of all variables using the GENLOG procedure. Weights

were trimmed to prevent individual interviews from having too much influence on the final results.

The use of these weights in statistical analysis ensures that the demographic characteristics of

the sample closely approximate the demographic characteristics of the national population. Table

1 compares weighted and unweighted sample distributions to population parameters.

13

Upon receiving the advance letter, one household indicated they are part-time residents and were removed from

further mailings for this study.

52 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Table 1: Sample Demographics

Parameter

Unweighted

Weighted

Gender

Male

47.4

32.9

42.8

Female

52.6

64.7

54.5

missing

2.4

2.7

Age

18-34

30.1

11.4

22.4

35-44

16.8

9.9

13.8

45-54

19.0

12.7

16.8

55-64

16.7

20.7

15.7

65+

17.4

32.4

17.1

missing

12.9

14.3

Education

HS Grad or less

36.2

16.0

29.5

Some College/Assoc Degree

28.4

26.1

29.9

College Graduate

35.4

56.6

39.1

missing

1.3

1.5

Race/Ethnicity

White/not Hispanic

55.0

69.8

56.7

Black/not Hispanic

28.4

15.4

25.2

Hispanic

8.2

3.9

6.4

Other/not Hispanic

8.4

7.7

8.2

missing

3.2

3.6

Region

Capital

35.9

31.9

33.6

Central

46.2

51.6

47.4

Southern

5.7

4.2

6.2

Eastern shore

7.8

7.2

7.8

Western

4.4

5.2

5.0

County Pop. Density

1 - Lowest

2.5

2.8

2

14.0

12.6

14.7

3

12.7

16.3

13.8

4

60.0

57.3

57.4

5 - Highest

10.8

11.0

11.3

53 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Effects of Sample Design on Statistical Inference

Post-data collection statistical adjustments require analysis procedures that reflect departures

from simple random sampling. PSRAI calculates the effects of these design features so that an

appropriate adjustment can be incorporated into tests of statistical significance when using these

data. The so-called "design effect" or deff represents the loss in statistical efficiency that results

from unequal weights. The total sample design effect for this survey is 1.71.

PSRAI calculates the composite design effect for a sample of size n, with each case having a

weight, wi as:

In a wide range of situations, the adjusted standard error of a statistic should be calculated by

multiplying the usual formula by the square root of the design effect (√deff ). Thus, the formula for

computing the 95% confidence interval around a percentage is:

where

p

ˆ

is the sample estimate and n is the unweighted number of sample cases in the group

being considered.

The survey’s margin of error is the largest 95% confidence interval for any estimated proportion

based on the total sample— the one around 50%. For example, the margin of error for the entire

sample is ± 4.3 percentage points. This means that in 95 out every 100 samples drawn using the

same methodology, estimated proportions based on the entire sample will be no more than 4.3

percentage points away from their true values in the population. It is important to remember that

sampling fluctuations are only one possible source of error in a survey estimate. Other sources,

such as respondent selection bias, questionnaire wording and reporting inaccuracy, may

contribute additional error of greater or lesser magnitude.

2

1

2



















n

ii

n

ii

w

wn

deff

formula 1













 n

pp

deffp

)

ˆ

1(

ˆ

96.1

ˆ

formula 2

54 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Response rate

Table 2 reports the disposition of all sample records released. The response rate estimates the

fraction of all eligible sample that was ultimately interviewed. The response rate is based on

AAPOR response rate #3 as set forth by the American Association for Public Opinion Research.

Thus the response rate for the sample was 24 percent.

Table 2: Sample Disposition

Total Sample Released

4201

Non-response, unknown eligibility U

3178

Refused R

23

Ineligible IN

93

Completed I

907

e= estimated eligibility (I+R)/(I+R+IN)

90.9%

Response Rate I/[I+R+(e*U)]

23.7%

55 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

CODING AND EDITING

The completed questionnaires were returned to Scantron and scanned into an electronic data file.

All handwritten open-end question responses were recorded verbatim by Scantron coders and

entered into the electronic data file. PSRAI thoroughly examined completed questionnaires to

ensure proper completion and checked to ensure the data responses matched the responses in

the questionnaire booklets. Any notes from respondents, problems or inconsistencies were dealt

with by PSRAI staff. Problems were reconciled whenever possible and cleaned in the data file.

 If there are multiple response to a question that should only have one response and that

question has no ‘other specify’ option, the question was recoded as 'No answer' in the data

if there is not some indication of which answer is right (e.g. one crossed out and the

second circled multiple times).

 If there are multiple response to a question that should only have one response and that

question has an ‘other specify’ option, the question was recoded as ‘other’ and the

responses entered into the specify field in the data.

 If applicable, 'other specify' responses were back-edited if they fit into the existing answer

categories/codes.

In addition to open-end response categories for specific questions, respondents also had the

opportunity to make any additional comments at the end of the survey.

DATA ENTRY AND VERIFICATION

The data were entered, verified, and cleaned to correct for any scanning entry errors, appropriate

question sequence (i.e., skip patterns), valid response ranges, and other logical consistencies.

56 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Appendix 2a: Advance letter

[DATE]

[Name of city] Resident

[Address1], [Address2]

[City], [State] [Zip]-[Zip4]

Dear [Name of city] Resident:

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, as part of a research project with George

Mason University, is requesting your help with an important study being conducted about public

health, energy and Maryland’s environment. Your household was selected at random from among

all residents in Maryland. In the next few days you will receive an envelope containing our

questionnaire. We hope you will participate.

We would like to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible for you to participate in the study. I am writing in

advance because sometimes people like to know ahead of time that they will be asked to fill out a

questionnaire. The success of this study will rely on the generous help of people like you who are willing to

take about 15-20 minutes of their time to answer our questions.

As a token of our appreciation, we will be sending you $2 in the envelope containing the questionnaire.

Please keep your eyes open for that envelope in the mail; it should arrive in the next several days. This project

is funded by the Town Creek Foundation of Easton, Maryland; no state funds are being used. You are not

under any obligation to participate, but I hope you will be willing to help us. Most of all, I hope that you enjoy

taking the survey and the opportunity to tell us about your views on the health of Maryland’s people and

environment.

Best wishes,

Peter Winch, MD, MPH

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Princeton Survey Research Associates International (PSRAI), a national polling firm, will conduct this survey

for us, with data collection provided by Scantron. If you have any questions, you may contact XXXXXXXXXXX

of PSRAI at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX@psrai.com. You may also contact Project Director XXXXXXXXXXXXX at (703)

XXX-XXXX or XXXXXXXX@gmu.edu at George Mason University.

57 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Appendix 2b: Cover letter for initial survey mailing

[DATE]

[Name of city] Resident

[Address1], [Address2]

[City], [State] [Zip]-[Zip4]

Dear [Name of city] Resident:

I am writing to request your help with an important study being conducted about public health, energy and

Maryland’s environment. One important way for us to learn about these issues is to ask people who live in

the state to share their thoughts with us. Your household is one of 4,200 homes that have been randomly

selected for this study being conducted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and George

Mason University, and funded by the Town Creek Foundation in Easton, Maryland.

Please have an adult (age 18 or over) fill out the survey. If there is more than one adult in your household,

please have the person in your household who has had the most recent birthday complete the enclosed

questionnaire if possible. This ensures we hear from a random sample of people who live in the state.

The questions should only take about 15-20 minutes to answer. By taking this time to share your thoughts,

you will help us understand how to better develop future public health services for Marylanders, such as

programs that assist communities during heat waves and other extreme weather events. As a way of saying

thank you for participating, we have enclosed a small token of appreciation. No state funds are being used

in this project. You are not under any obligation to participate, but I hope that you will consider participating,

and will enjoy taking the survey.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Thanks for taking this time to help us better protect our quality of life

here in Maryland.

Best wishes,

Peter Winch, MD, MPH

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Princeton Survey Research Associates International (PSRAI), a national polling firm, will conduct this survey

for us, with data collection provided by Scantron. If you have any questions, you may contact XXXXXXXXXXX

of PSRAI at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX@psrai.com. You may also contact Project Director XXXXXXXXXXXXX at (703)

XXX-XXXX or XXXXXXXX@gmu.edu at George Mason University.

58 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Appendix 2c: Postcard reminder

59 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Appendix 2d: Cover letter for follow-up survey mailing

[DATE]

[Name of city] Resident

[Address1], [Address2]

[City], [State] [Zip]-[Zip4]

Dear [Name of city] Resident:

In April we sent a letter inviting you to complete a questionnaire on the health and wellbeing of Maryland’s

people and environment. While you are not under any obligation to participate, to the best of our knowledge,

we have not received it yet, and wanted to be sure that it had not been lost in the mail.

We are writing again because of the importance that your questionnaire has in helping us to get accurate

results that truly represent the state’s residents. Therefore, we hope that the adult in your household who

has had the most recent birthday will fill out the questionnaire (another copy of which is enclosed) and return

it to us soon. This will help ensure that we hear from a random sample of adults in every household.

The questions should only take about 15-20 minutes to complete. We hope that you enjoy answering the

questions and sharing your thoughts with us. We look forward to hearing your opinion on these important

issues.

Best wishes,

Peter Winch, MD, MPH

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Princeton Survey Research Associates International (PSRAI), a national polling firm, will conduct this survey

for us, with data collection provided by Scantron. If you have any questions, you may contact XXXXXXXXXXX

of PSRAI at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX@psrai.com. You may also contact Project Director XXXXXXXXXXXXX at (703)

XXX-XXXX or XXXXXXXX@gmu.edu at George Mason University.

60 | Public Perceptions of Climate Change, 2016 | A Maryland Statewide Survey

Appendix 2e: Sticky note affixed to cover letter for follow-up survey mailing

Public perceptions of climate change: A Maryland statewide survey, fall 2016

Abstract and Figures

Recommended publications

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Public Health, Energy & Climate Change: A Maryland Statewide Survey