2. BELIEF AND AWARENESS
Angelenos believe humans have a role in climate change
and are personally concerned.
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 2
3. A large majority of Angelenos believe climate change is happening:
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 3
Question: Climate change refers to the idea that world’s average temperature is increasing, may increase more in the future, and that the world’s climate may change as
a result. What do you think ? (percent total “Yes, climate change is happening”)
80%
United States
2017
Los Angeles
2017
89%
4. An increasing number of Angelenos are attributing climate change to human activity:
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 4
Question: When it comes to climate change, which of the following is closer to your opinion? (percent total agree)
0 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Combination of both human
activities and natural causes
56
48
48
49
Mainly due to human activities
27
36
36
28
Mainly due to natural causes
17
11
10
10
Climate change is not happening
3
2
4
4
Not sure
4
4
2
3
2017 U.S. (%) 2017 L.A. (%) 2016 L.A. (%) 2015 L.A. (%)
5. Angelenos are very concerned, with a big leap in climate concern in the last two years:
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 5
Very concerned Somewhat concerned A little concerned Not concerned at all
87%
L.A. 2017
Are personally concerned about climate change
total concern
82%
L.A. 2016
78%
L.A. 2015
76%
U.S. 2017
6. IMPACTS
Angelenos feel climate impacts more than the
average American.
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 6
7. Angelenos feel personally affected by climate change, more so than national averages:
American Climate Metrics Survey 2016 Los Angeles | 7American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 7
Question: How much are the following issues personally affecting you? (percent total affected)
Record heat waves
during summer
72%L.A. 2017
Increased rates of
breathing problems
56%L.A. 2017
Increased cost of
energy
69%L.A. 2017
Damage and harm
from extreme
weather
51%L.A. 2017
Increased hardships
for poorer familes
62%L.A. 2017
59%
U.S. 2017
67%
U.S. 2017
58%
U.S. 2017
50%
U.S. 2017
51%
U.S. 2017
$
8. In the past two years, Angelenos feel increasingly impacted by climate in key areas:
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 8
Question: How much are the following issues personally affecting you? (percent total affected)
Increased flooding
44%L.A. 2017
13 points from 2016
More damage and
harm from extreme
weather
51%L.A. 2017
Increased rates of
breathing problems
56%L.A. 2017
points from 201513 7 points from 2015
9. PERSONAL RIGHTS
Angelenos value clean air, water, and energy at rates that
top the charts vs. national averages.
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 9
10. Angelenos express overwhelming support for the right to clean water for all:
Very concerned Somewhat concerned A little concerned Not concerned at all N/A
91%
L.A. 2017
Say clean water is a critical right for all people
total concern
89%
L.A. 2016
89%
L.A. 2015
88%
U.S. 2017
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 10
11. Angelenos strongly believe in the moral responsiblity to create a healthy climate for
our children:
American Climate Metrics Survey 2016 Los Angeles | 11
Strongly agree Not so strongly agree Not so strongly disagree Strongly disagree
89%
L.A. 2017
Say we have a moral responsiblity to create a safe and healthy climate for ourselves and our children
total favor
88%
L.A. 2016
87%
L.A. 2015
83%
U.S. 2017
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 11
12. HOPE
Angelenos are hopeful we can reduce the pollution that
causes climate change, but are pessimistic about
government’s ability to agree on how to do it.
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 12
13. Angelenos are hopeful we can reduce climate pollution, but doubtful in our
government’s ability to do so, both at much higher rates than national averages:
Are hopeful that we can reduce the
pollution that is causing climate change
83%L.A. 2017
Say we could address climate change
effectively, but that our government is
broken and can’t agree on how to do it
82%L.A. 2017
81%
L.A. 2016
81%
L.A. 2015
76%
U.S. 2017
74%
L.A. 2016
67%
L.A. 2015
68%
U.S. 2017
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 13
14. ENERGY
Angelenos strongly support clean energy and a fee on
companies responsible for polluting our air.
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 14
15. Angelenos strongly support clean energy:
American Climate Metrics Survey 2016 Los Angeles | 15
L.A. 2015L.A. 2016L.A. 2017U.S. 2017
0
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
CoalNuclearOilNatural GasWind and Solar
87 88 90 88
63
66
61
67
47
44
41 40
43
38
34 34
37
34
27
22
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 15
Question: Please indicate if you think the United States should be producing more or less energy from each source as it is today. (percent total more)
16. Angelenos increasingly favor a fee on corporate climate pollution:
Strongly agree Not so strongly agree Not so strongly disagree Strongly disagree
86%
L.A. 2017
Favor a proposal to reduce climate change pollution by charging large companies a fee for the pollution they create
total favor
80%
L.A. 2016
77%
L.A. 2015
81%
U.S. 2017
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 16
17. PERSONAL BENEFITS
Angelenos recognize the benefits climate solutions will
bring to their health, the economy, and jobs.
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 17
18. American Climate Metrics Survey 2016 Los Angeles | 18
Angelenos increasingly see the health and economic benefits of preventing
climate change:
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
64
74
69
57
67
75
77
67
Improve health
Improve the economy
L.A. 2015 (%)L.A. 2016 (%)L.A. 2017 (%)U.S. 2017 (%)
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 18
Question: If the United States took steps to prevent future climate change, it would: (percent total improve/increase)
19. Angelenos increasingly believe that preventing climate change will increase jobs,
however half say it will also increase the cost of energy:
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
L.A. 2015 (%)L.A. 2016 (%)L.A. 2017 (%)U.S. 2017 (%)
Increase jobs
61
68
66
51
Increase cost of energy
54
51
$
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 19
Question: If the United States took steps to prevent future climate change, it would: (percent total improve/increase)
Note: “Increase cost of energy” first asked in 2017, no 2016-2015 data
20. SOLUTIONS
Angelenos want their city to prepare for climate change,
but there is room for improvement in educating them on
what Los Angeles is already doing to address it.
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 20
21. Angelenos have increasingly strong desire for LA to prepare for climate change:
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 21
84%L.A. 2017
I want my city to prepare for the impacts of climate change
72%
U.S. 2017
80%
L.A. 2016
77%
L.A. 2015
22. Angelenos want L.A. to prepare for climate in order to minimize the impacts:
Strongly agree Not so strongly agree Not so strongly disagree Strongly disagree N/A
87%
L.A. 2017
Believe communities need to prepare for floods and droughts and minimize their impact
total agree
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 22
23. Angelenos say government is responsible for preparing their city:
Strongly agree Not so strongly agree Not so strongly disagree Strongly disagree N/A
77%
L.A. 2017
Believe government needs to protect all people from the impacts of extreme weather
total agree
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 23
24. American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 24
Angelenos are becoming more aware of the city’s climate efforts:
Say the city is taking
action to conserve energy
Say the city is preparing
for the impacts of
climate change
Say the city is purchasing
clean energy, such as
wind or solar
45%L.A. 2017
40%L.A. 2017
31%L.A. 2017
42%
L.A. 2015
26%
L.A. 2015
18%
L.A. 2015
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 24
25. URGENCY AND ACTION
Angelenos believe they personally, and we collectively, can
and must act on climate today.
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 25
26. American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 26
Angelenos increasingly believe they can reduce pollution, at higher rates vs. nationally:
Believe we can reduce the pollution that
is causing climate change
86%L.A. 2017
Believe I can reduce the pollution that
is causing climate change
79%L.A. 2017
83%
L.A. 2016
80%
L.A. 2015
76%
U.S. 2017
77%
L.A. 2016
73%
L.A. 2015
68%
U.S. 2017
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 26
27. Angelenos feel increasing urgency to take climate action now:
Believe we need to take action now to reduce
the pollution that is causing climate change
87%L.A. 2017
Believe I need to take action now to reduce
the pollution that is causing climate change
83%L.A. 2017
81%
L.A. 2016
84%
L.A. 2015
77%
U.S. 2017
77%
L.A. 2016
76%
L.A. 2015
70%
U.S. 2017
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 27
28. ACTION AND ADVOCACY
Angelenos are increasingly aware of their city’s effort to
engage citizens on climate. And they do their part
personally, with strong climate-friendly behaviors.
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 28
29. Angelenos are increasingly noticing L.A. efforts to lead on and talk about climate:
Say the city is educating
others in the city about
climate change
30%L.A. 2017
24%
L.A. 2016
20%
L.A. 2015
24%
U.S. 2017
Say the city is talking to
the public about
climate change
29%L.A. 2017
8%
L.A. 2016
11%
L.A. 2015
21%
U.S. 2017
Say the city is
conserving energy
45%L.A. 2017
47%
L.A. 2016
42%
L.A. 2015
32%
U.S. 2017
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 29
30. Angelenos are having more conversations about climate change:
Discussed climate change
at work with colleagues
50%L.A. 2017
51%
L.A. 2016
42%
L.A. 2015
41%
U.S. 2017
Discussed climate change
with family and friends
73%L.A. 2017
75%
L.A. 2016
74%
L.A. 2015
69%
U.S. 2017
Dicussed climate change
at your place of worship
28%L.A. 2017
20%
L.A. 2016
15%
L.A. 2015
24%
U.S. 2017
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 30
31. Angelenos are using more efficient modes of transportation than national averages:
Shifted toward
public transport
36%L.A. 2017
31%
U.S. 2017
Shifted toward
hybrid cars
33%L.A. 2017
24%
U.S. 2017
Shifted toward
biking or walking
46%L.A. 2017
39%
U.S. 2017
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 31
Note: This question was first asked in 2017, no data from 2015-2016
32. Candidates’ support for climate solutions are important for Angelenos:
Contacted or voted for a candidate based
on his/her support for climate change
43%L.A. 2017
$
35%
U.S. 2017
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 32
Note: This question was first asked in 2017, no data from 2015-2016
33. SOURCES & TRUST
Angelenos trust many messengers for climate information—
but they trust scientists and health professionals the most.
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 33
34. Angelenos are receiving climate information from a variety of sources:
L.A. 2015 (%)L.A. 2016 (%)L.A. 2017 (%)U.S. 2017 (%)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
None of theseChurch and
faith leaders
Local community
leaders
Companies and
business leaders
Health professionalsFederal elected
officials
Professors and
educators
Friends and familyNews and media
65 66
68
71
36
38
36
33
24
28
26
28 29
27
35
32
20
24
19 18
15
22
16 16 16 16
21
19
10 10
13
9
18
16 15
19
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 34
Question: Have you heard or read anything recently about climate change from any of the following? (percent total)
35. Angelenos are generally more trusting of climate messengers than national averages:
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
CongressFederal elected
leaders
Local community
leaders
The PresidentEnvironmental
organizations
Colleges and
Universities
Health
Professionals
Scientists
L.A. 2015 (%)L.A. 2016 (%)L.A. 2017 (%)U.S. 2017 (%)
70
767678
62
59
66
70
55
58
6666
61 62
6769
31
42
51
28
40
29
40
44
27
19
2830
25
17
26
29
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 35
Question: As a source of information about climate change, how much do you trust the following? (percent total)
36. NOTABLE YEAR-OVER-YEAR SHIFTS
There have been significant shifts in key climate attitudes
amongst Angelenos since 2016.
American Climate Metrics Survey 2016 Los Angeles | 36American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 36
37. Angelenos feel less trust toward President Trump than President Obama:
Trust the President as a source of information about
climate change
28%L.A. 2017
$
51%
L.A. 2016
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 37
38. Trust has risen in several climate messenger categories, but the biggest upward shifts have
been for health professionals, clean energy companies, and celebrities:
Trust celebrities
32%L.A. 2017
17%
L.A. 2016
12%
L.A. 2015
Trust clean energy
companies
65%L.A. 2017
55%
L.A. 2016
51%
L.A. 2015
Trust health professionals
70%L.A. 2017
66%
L.A. 2016
59%
L.A. 2015
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 38
39. Angelenos are increasingly perceiving that climate solutions come at a cost:
American Climate Metrics Survey 2016 Los Angeles | 39
Believe we could address climate change,
but the costs and sacrifices are too high
50%L.A. 2017
$
39%
L.A. 2016
37%
L.A. 2015
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 39
40. Good news: they are becoming increasingly aware of Los Angeles’ preparation efforts:
Say their city is taking action to prepare for climate change
30%
L.A. 2016
26%
L.A. 2015
40%L.A. 2017
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 40
41. And, they are becoming more aware of Los Angeles’ efforts to speak about climate:
Say their city is talking to the public about climate change
29%L.A. 2017
$
8%
L.A. 2016
11%
L.A. 2015
American Climate Metrics Survey 2017 Los Angeles | 41
42. ecoAmerica builds a critical mass of institutional leadership,
public support and political will for definitive climate solutions in the United States.
Learn more at ecoAmerica.org
Thank you!
43. Methodology
ecoAmerica and Lake Research Partners (LRP) designed and LRP administered this survey, conducted
online September 25-27, 2017. The survey yielded a total of 802 adult responses, and separately, 401
adults in Los Angeles. The samples were drawn from an online panel, and the respondents were screened
to ensure that they were over age 18. The national sample was weighted slightly by gender, region, age,
education, and race. The Los Angeles sample was weighted slightly by gender, region, age, and race. The
margin of error for the sample is +/-3.5%. In interpreting survey results, all sample surveys are subject to
possible sampling errors, i.e., the results of a survey may differ from those that would be obtained if the
entire population were interviewed. The size of the sampling error depends on both the total number of
respondents in the survey and the percentage distribution of responses to a particular question. For example,
if 50% of the respondents in a sample of 900 respondents answered “Yes” to a particular question, we can be
95% confident that the true percentage will fall within 3.3. points, or from 46.5% to 53.5%
Learn more at ecoAmerica.org