Residents in Massachusetts are taking steps to conserve energy in their homes, a survey finds, but they aren’t doing it to help the environment or to curb climate change.
The study, “The 80 Percent Challenge: A survey of climate change opinion and action in Massachusetts” was conducted by independent think tank MassInc, in a state that has been most receptive to energy efficiency, clean energy technologies and reducing carbon emissions. As the survey title suggests, the state even has the ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by the year 2050.
They’re Saving Energy
The study found that many of the state’s residents are already taking steps to reduce their energy usage. About half (52 percent) say they take steps “very frequently” to use less energy.
- 53 percent say they always set their thermostats at or below 68 degrees in the winter.
- 48 percent always turn their engines off immediately when sitting in a parked car.
- 44 percent always wash their clothes using the washer’s cold water setting.
- 44 percent always check that their car tires are inflated properly.
- Lowering air conditioning was the only uncommon action, with just one quarter (27 percent) of residents always setting the temperature at or above 76 degrees in the warmer months.
They Believe in Global Warming, But …
The survey found that 59 percent of Massachusetts residents see global warming as both occurring and at least partially caused by human pollution. “Results show a direct relationship between education and a belief that global warming is real. But while more educated residents are more likely to think the earth is slowly warming, they are no more likely than others to think global warming is serious,” says the report.
Only 42 percent of those surveyed say global warming will have very serious consequences for Massachusetts if left unaddressed.
“Residents are taking steps to conserve energy regardless of their belief in global warming,” the survey reports. “But there does not appear to be a similar link between an understanding of global warming and conservation behavior.” What should we make of this energy efficiency disconnect?