Table of Contents
- Key Findings
- November Election
- Climate Change Perceptions and Policies
- Economy and Environment
- Ocean, Coast, and Marine Life
- Extreme Weather Events
- State and Federal Approval Ratings
- Regional Map
- Methodology
- Questions and Responses
- Authors and Acknowledgments
- PPIC Statewide Advisory Committee
- PPIC Board of Directors
- Copyright
Key Findings
Californians have been facing a record heat wave and wildfires across the state this summer. The state’s multibillion-dollar budget deficit prompted spending cuts for climate and energy programs. In response, the legislature approved a $10 billion state bond for the November ballot that asks voters to approve more funding for drought, floods, wildfires, coastal resilience, and extreme heat mitigation. The deep partisan divide on climate and energy policies surfaced in the presidential debate on June 27.
These are the key findings of the Californians and the Environment survey on local, state, and national issues and coastal and inland topics that was conducted June 24–July 2, 2024:
Joe Biden (D) leads Donald Trump (R) by a wide margin (55% to 30%) in the presidential race. Adam Schiff (D) leads Steve Garvey (R) by a 31 point margin (64% to 33%) in the US Senate race. Democratic candidates lead Republican candidates in local House district races (62% to 36%). An overwhelming majority say that candidates’ positions on the environment are important in determining their vote; Democrats are more likely to say the environment is “very important.” A majority say they would vote “yes” on a $10 billion state bond for climate resiliency projects. →
- Californians are most likely to name climate change, forest fires and wildfires, and water supply and drought as the most important environmental issues facing the state today. Most believe that the effects of climate change have already begun and that climate change is a threat to the economy and quality of life for California’s future. Most Californians say that it is more important to address climate mitigation than climate adaptation. Forty-seven percent say they are very concerned that home insurance will become more expensive due to climate change risks. →
Forty percent of Californians think there will be more jobs for people around the state as a result of California doing things to reduce climate change in the future. Sixty-six percent favor the state law requiring that all electricity come from renewable energy sources by 2045, while 44 percent are willing to pay more for electricity from renewable sources. About six in ten believe that stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost, while partisans are divided on this issue. →
- Most Californians say that plastics and marine debris, declining marine life, and overfishing are problems in the part of the California coast that is close to them. Eighty-one percent favor the expansion of Marine Protected Areas off the coast. An overwhelming majority favors allowing wind power and wave energy projects, while a strong majority opposes more oil drilling off the California coast. Fifty-seven percent view the conditions of oceans and beaches as very important to the economy and quality of life for the state’s future. →
- Thirty-nine percent of Californians say the threat of wildfires is a big problem in their part of California, while 35 percent have been personally affected by extreme weather events in the past two years. Majorities have “only some” confidence in the government’s readiness to respond to wildfires and extreme weather events. Sixty-five percent have not prepared for disasters and 24 percent have considered moving to a different home to avoid the impacts of global warming. →
- About half approve of Governor Newsom and President Biden when it comes to their handling of environmental issues. Partisans are deeply divided. About half approve of the California Legislature and about one in four approve of the US Congress when it comes to their handling of environmental issues. Partisans agree in their disapproval of Congress. Forty-four percent say they can trust the state government always or most of the time when it comes to environmental issues, and 29 percent say the same about the federal government. →
November Election
The statewide ballot in the November election will include the presidential race, the US Senate race, and 52 US House district races that will help to decide the party in control of a closely divided Congress. Proposition 4, a $10 billion state bond placed on the November ballot by the legislature, would fund a variety of state programs for a changing climate. How important are environmental issues for California voters in this election year?
US presidential race. This summer, the Republican Party convention in July and the Democratic Party convention in August are setting the political context for the presidential race in 2024. California likely voters say they would choose Joe Biden (D) over Donald Trump (R) by a wide margin (55% to 30%) if the November election were held today. Preferences were similar in June (55% Biden, 31% Trump) and in April (54% Biden, 31% Trump) and, for historical perspective, in May 2020. (57% Biden, 33% Trump). National polls indicate a close race. (Note: presidential preferences in the PPIC Survey were similar before and after the June 27 debate.)
Today, partisans continue to support their party’s presidential candidate: 84 percent of Democrats support Biden, and 82 percent of Republicans favor Trump. Independent voters lean toward the Democratic candidate (45% Biden, 26% Trump). Biden leads Trump across age, gender, homeownership, household income, and racial/ethnic groups, and also across the state’s major regions. Eleven percent of likely voters would vote for “someone else” for president, including 6 percent of Democrats, 5 percent of Republicans, and 21 percent of independents.
Seventy-eight percent of likely voters say that the presidential candidates’ positions on the environment are important (42% very, 36% somewhat) in determining their vote. Majorities across partisan and demographic groups and regions of the state hold this view. Partisans are divided: 56 percent of Democrats say the candidates’ environment views are very important, compared to 24 percent of Republicans and 35 percent of independents. Biden supporters (56%) are far more likely than Trump supporters (26%) to express this opinion. Before the 2020 election, 83 percent of likely voters said that the presidential candidates’ positions on the environment were important (43% very, 40% somewhat) in determining their vote.
Joe Biden leads Donald Trump by a wide margin in the presidential race in California
![Survey 0724 topic 1 fig1](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/survey-0724_topic-1_fig1.png)
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2024. Survey was fielded from June 24–July 2, 2024 (n=1,648 adults, n=1,261 likely voters).
NOTES: Among likely voters only.
US Senate race. California likely voters favor Adam Schiff (D) over Steve Garvey (R) by a wide margin (64% to 33%) in the US Senate race. Preferences were similar in June (62% Schiff, 37% Garvey) and April (61% Schiff, 37% Garvey). Today, partisans overwhelmingly choose their party’s candidate for the US Senate, while independents lean toward the Democratic candidate. Majorities across demographic groups and state regions favor Schiff over Garvey.
Seventy-nine percent say that the US Senate candidates’ positions on the environment are important (39% very, 40% somewhat) in determining their vote. Majorities across partisan and demographic groups and regions of the state hold this view. Partisans differ on whether the candidates’ environmental positions are very important (53% Democrat, 19% Republican, 34% independent). Schiff supporters (52%) are far more likely than Garvey supporters (16%) to say this is very important.
A solid majority of California likely voters would opt for Adam Schiff if the Senate election were held today
![figure - A solid majority of California likely voters would opt for Adam Schiff if the Senate election were held today](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/survey-0724_topic-1_fig2.png)
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2024. Survey was fielded from June 24–July 2, 2024 (n=1,648 adults, n=1,261 likely voters).
NOTES: Among likely voters only.
House races. When asked about their House district race, most likely voters say they would vote for the Democratic candidate over the Republican candidate by a wide margin (62% to 36%). Likely voter preferences were similar in June (62% Democrat, 36% Republican) and April (60% Democrat, 38% Republican) and, for historical perspective, in May 2020 (59% Democrat, 34% Republican). Today, more than nine in ten Democratic and Republican likely voters would choose their party’s House candidate, and independents lean toward voting for the Democratic House candidate. In the 10 competitive districts in California (as defined by the Cook Political Report), the Democratic candidate leads the Republican candidate (63% to 36%). Half or more say they would vote for the Democratic candidate over the Republican candidate across regions and demographic groups.
Seventy-nine percent of likely voters say that House candidates’ positions on the environment are important (37% very, 42% somewhat) in determining their vote. Majorities across partisan and demographic groups and regions of the state hold this view. Partisans differ on whether the environment is “very” important to them (52% Democrat, 16% Republican, 32% independent).
State bond. Fifty-nine percent of California likely voters say they would vote “yes” on a $10 billion state bond measure for the November 2024 ballot to pay for flood protection and climate resiliency projects. (Note: the Proposition 4 ballot title and label were not available in time for this survey.) Voter support varies across partisan groups (78% Democrats, 25% Republicans, 55% independents), but about half or more say they would vote “yes” across demographic groups and state regions. In the July 2023 survey, 65 percent of California likely voters said they would vote for a $6 billion state bond for the November ballot to pay for flood protection and climate resiliency projects.
Eighty percent of likely voters say that it is a “good thing” that a majority of California voters can make laws and change policies on environmental issues in California. Sixty-two percent say it is “very important” to them to vote on ballot measures that address environmental issues in California. Majorities across regions, parties, and demographic groups hold these views; Democrats (70%) are more likely than Republicans (55%) and independents (57%) to say that voting on environmental issues is very important to them.
A majority say they would vote yes on a $10 billion bond to pay for flood protection and climate resiliency projects
![table - A majority say they would vote yes on a $10 billion bond to pay for flood protection and climate resiliency projects](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/survey-0724_topic-1_tab.png)
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2024. Survey was fielded from June 24–July 2, 2024 (n=1,648 adults, n=1,261 likely voters).
NOTES: Among likely voters only.
Climate Change Perceptions and Policies
Californians name climate change (17%) as the state’s most important environmental issue, followed by wildfires (15%) and water supply (14%). About a quarter of California adults (23%) and likely voters (24%) say that addressing climate is a top concern for them personally. Majorities say it is one of several important concerns (55% adults, 53% likely voters), while about a quarter say it is not an important concern (22% adults, 23% likely voters). A solid majority of adults (64%) and likely voters (66%) say the effects of climate change have already begun. Majorities across parties, regions, and demographic groups say the effects of climate change have begun, with the exception of Republicans (36%).
Most Californians say climate change is either a very (41% adults, 42% likely voters) or somewhat (36% adults and likely voters) serious threat to the economy and quality of life for California’s future. Nearly all Democrats and an overwhelming majority of independents believe climate change is a threat, while only 44 percent of Republicans hold this view. Across regions, overwhelming majorities say that climate change is at least a somewhat serious threat. However, residents in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles are more likely than those in the Central Valley or Orange/San Diego to say it is a very serious threat. Seven in ten or more across demographic groups hold this view.
Most Californians say climate change is a threat to the economy and quality of life for California's future
![figure - Most Californians say climate change is a threat to the economy and quality of life for California's future](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/survey-0724_topic-2_fig1.png)
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2024. Survey was fielded from June 24–July 2, 2024 (n=1,648 adults, n=1,261 likely voters).
An overwhelming majority of Californians say they worry a great deal (36% adults, 37% likely voters) or a fair amount (35% adults and likely voters) about global climate change. A third of Republicans (33%) say they worry at least a fair amount, compared to far larger shares of independents (71%) and Democrats (91%). Residents in the San Francisco Bay Area (75%) and Los Angeles (74%) are slightly more likely than residents elsewhere to worry about climate change (69% Orange/San Diego, 67% Central Valley, 66% Inland Empire).
For some Californians, worries about climate change may be related to concern about their homes and local communities. About eight in ten are at least somewhat concerned that home insurance will become more expensive due to climate change risks; this includes close to half of adults (47%) and a majority of likely voters (54%). Overwhelming majorities across parties, regions, and demographic groups are at least somewhat concerned but there are some differences in the degree of concern. Democrats and independents are more likely than Republicans to be very concerned. Majorities of residents in the Inland Empire, Asian Americans, college graduates, and those earning more than $80,000 express high levels of concern. Notably, homeowners (56%) are much more likely than renters (37%) to be very concerned. About a quarter of adults and likely voters (24% each) say climate change is affecting their local community a great deal. This sentiment is most common among residents earning less than $40,000 (32%), Democrats (31%), Latinos (28%), and women (28%).
Eight in ten Californians are concerned that home insurance will become more expensive due to climate change risks
![figure - Eight in ten Californians are concerned that home insurance will become more expensive due to climate change risks](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/survey-0724_topic-2_fig2-e1721165707697.png)
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2024. Survey was fielded from June 24-July 2, 2024 (n=1,648 adults, n=1,261 likely voters).
About six in ten adults and likely voters say it is more important for climate policies to address climate mitigation, or reducing greenhouse gases, while less than four in ten say it is more important to address climate adaptation, or adapting to a harsher climate. Very few volunteer that mitigation and adaptation are equally important or that neither is important. Three quarters of Democrats and six in ten independents say that it is more important for policies to address reducing greenhouse gases, while a solid majority of Republicans think climate adaptation policies are more important. Majorities across regions and demographic groups think policies should focus on climate mitigation.
Seven in ten adults and likely voters favor the state law that requires California to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. Some examples of climate mitigation policies may include banning the sale of all new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035 (39% favor, 60% oppose), taxing corporations based on their carbon emissions (74% favor, 25% oppose), providing a tax credit to businesses developing carbon capture technology (77% favor, 22% oppose), and requiring most new buildings to be powered only by electricity with no gas lines (49% favor, 50% oppose).
Regarding the state’s climate adaptation plan, most say it is important to prioritize social equity, tribal nations, and disadvantaged communities (36% very, 38% somewhat important); to support wildfire prone communities by expanding fire capacity programs (49% very, 41% somewhat); and to help regions prepare for new flood patterns (41% very, 44% somewhat).
Californians think it is more important for policies to address climate mitigation than climate adaptation
![table - Californians think it is more important for policies to address climate mitigation than climate adaptation](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/survey-0724_topic-2_tab.png)
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2024. Survey was fielded from June 24–July 2, 2024 (n=1,648 adults, n=1,261 likely voters).
Economy and Environment
About four in ten adults and likely voters say that California doing things to reduce climate change in the future would lead to more jobs in the state; about one in three say it wouldn’t affect the number of jobs; and a quarter say there would be fewer jobs. The share saying there will be more jobs is similar to a year ago (41% July 2023), and about four in ten or more adults have said more jobs would be created since PPIC first asked this question in 2010 (45%). Today, partisans differ on this issue, with a majority of Democrats saying there would be more jobs, a majority of Republicans saying there would be fewer jobs, and independents more divided. African Americans (56%) are the only demographic group with a majority share saying there would be more jobs. The share saying there would be more jobs falls as age increases and rises as educational attainment increases. Half of San Francisco Bay Area residents hold this view, compared to fewer in other regions.
Four in ten adults say there will be more jobs as a result of California doing things to reduce climate change
![figure - Four in ten adults say there will be more jobs as a result of California doing things to reduce climate change](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/survey-0724_topic-3_fig1.png)
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2024. Survey was fielded from June 24–July 2, 2024 (n=1,648 adults, n=1,261 likely voters).
Majorities of adults and likely voters say stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost (58% each), while about four in ten say stricter environmental laws and regulations in California cost too many jobs and hurt the economy (40% adults, 41% likely voters). These shares were similar a year ago. Partisans today are widely divided on this issue, with an overwhelming majority of Democrats saying stricter laws and regulations are worth the cost, while an overwhelming majority of Republicans say they cost too many jobs and hurt the economy; independents are more divided. Majorities across demographic groups and regions say stricter environmental regulation is worth the cost.
Majorities of adults and likely voters say stricter environmental regulations are worth the cost
![figure - Majorities of adults and likely voters say stricter environmental regulations are worth the cost](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/survey-0724_topic-3_fig2.png)
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2024. Survey was fielded from June 24–July 2, 2024 (n=1,648 adults, n=1,261 likely voters).
Two in three Californians say environmental protection should be given priority, even at the risk of curbing economic growth (66% adults, 67% likely voters), while about three in ten say economic growth should be given priority even if the environment suffers to some extent (32% of both adults and likely voters). Today, six in ten or more across most partisan, demographic, and regional groups say the environment should be the priority—with some exceptions. These exceptions are Republicans—a solid majority say the economy should take priority—and Inland Empire residents, whose opinions are more divided.
Two in three adults (66%) and likely voters (67%) favor the state law that requires 100 percent of the state’s electricity to come from renewable energy sources by the year 2045; one in three are opposed (33% of both adults and likely voters). The share in favor was similar a year ago. Today, majorities of Democrats and independents are in favor, while most Republicans are opposed. Majorities across demographic and regional groups favor the state’s renewable energy requirement.
However, when asked if they would be willing to pay more for electricity generated by renewable sources—such as solar or wind energy—in order to help reduce climate change, majorities of adults and likely voters say they would not be willing. Six in ten Democrats say they are willing, while about eight in ten Republicans and about six in ten independents say they are not willing. Majorities among demographic and regional groups are unwilling, and the share who say they are willing breaches half only among Asian Americans (51%), college graduates (51%), and San Francisco Bay Area residents (54%).
A majority of California adults are unwilling to pay more for renewable energy in order to reduce climate change
![table - A majority of California adults are unwilling to pay more for renewable energy in order to reduce climate change](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/survey-0724_topic-3_tab.png)
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2024. Survey was fielded from June 24–July 2, 2024 (n=1,648 adults, n=1,261 likely voters).
Ocean, Coast, and Marine Life
More than nine in ten adults and likely voters say the condition of oceans and beaches are at least somewhat important to the economy and quality of life for California’s future, including majorities who say it is very important (57% adults, 63% likely voters). Very few say it is not too or not at all important. Still, the share saying it is very important has declined from a year ago, when two in three adults said this (67%). Today, majorities across partisan, demographic, and regional groups say ocean and beach conditions are very important. This share increases as income and age rise. Coastal residents are about as likely as inland residents to hold this view.
A majority of Californians say the condition of oceans and beaches are very important to the economy and quality of life for state's future
![figure - A majority of Californians say the condition of oceans and beaches are very important to the economy and quality of life for state's future](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/survey-0724_topic-4_fig1.png)
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2024. Survey was fielded from June 24–July 2, 2024 (n=1,648 adults, n=1,261 likely voters).
Overwhelming majorities of adults (78%) and likely voters (81%) favor allowing wind power and wave energy projects off the California coast; two in ten are opposed (20% adults, 18% likely voters). The share in support was similar a year ago (83% adults), and overwhelming majorities have been in favor since PPIC first asked this question in 2017.
When it comes to expanding the rules and boundaries of national marine sanctuaries and California Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to protect fish, wildlife, and their habitat off the state’s coast, eight in ten or more adults (81%) and likely voters (85%) are in favor.
However, two in three adults (67%) and likely voters (68%) oppose allowing more oil drilling off the California coast, compared to about three in ten in favor (31% adults and likely voters each). Majorities have opposed offshore oil drilling since 2013 (54%).
Most Californians oppose expanding hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking” for oil and natural gas (65% adults, 66% likely voters); about a third are in favor (32% adults, 33% likely voters). Six in ten or more have opposed fracking since 2021.
Most continue to favor wind power and wave energy, while most oppose allowing more oil drilling off the California coast
![figure - Most continue to favor wind power and wave energy, while most oppose allowing more oil drilling off the California coast](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/survey-0724_topic-4_fig2.png)
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Surveys, 2017-2024.
Nine in ten adults say ocean and beach pollution along the California coast is at least somewhat of a problem, including about four in ten who say it is a big problem (41%). The share of adults saying this is a big problem has declined from the 50 percent who said this a year ago.
Over nine in ten adults in the state say plastics and marine debris is at least somewhat of a problem in the part of the California coast that is closest to them, including six in ten (60%) who say it is a big problem. The share saying it is a big problem has fluctuated in the past few years, but majorities have said this since 2019.
Over eight in ten adults say declining marine life is at least somewhat of a problem in the part of the California coast closest to them, including 46 percent of adults who say it is a big problem. A year ago, far more adults said this was a big problem (60% July 2023); the share holding this view hadn’t dropped below a majority since July 2017 (45%).
When it comes to overfishing, or depleting the fishing stock, about eight in ten adults say it is at least somewhat of a problem, including roughly three in ten who say it is a big problem (32%)—a lower share than on other coastal and marine life issues. The share saying this is a big problem decreased sharply from a year ago (45% July 2023) and is comparable to findings in 2019, when 35 percent said overfishing was a big problem.
A solid majority of adults say plastics and marine debris are a big problem; less than half say the same about marine life, ocean pollution, and overfishing
% big problem
![table - A solid majority of adults say plastics and marine debris are a big problem; less than half say the same about marine life, ocean pollution, and overfishing](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/survey-0724_topic-4_tab.png)
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2024. Survey was fielded from June 24–July 2, 2024 (n=1,648 adults, n=1,261 likely voters).
Extreme Weather Events
California continues to face many extreme weather events and natural disasters—including severe dry periods, heat waves, and wildfires. Many Californians believe these events are connected to climate change. Overwhelming majorities are concerned that climate change will cause heat waves (79% very or somewhat concerned), drought (82% very or somewhat concerned), and wildfires (82% very or somewhat concerned) that are more severe.
About a quarter of adults and a fifth of likely voters say they have considered moving to a different home to avoid the impacts of global warming, including sea-level rise, flooding, heat waves, and wildfires. About three in ten Democrats (29%) report this, compared to only 12 percent of Republicans. Residents in the Central Valley (28%) are the most likely to say they have considered moving, while those in Orange/San Diego (16%) are the least likely. Among demographic groups, residents making less than $40,000 (33%), young adults ages 18 to 34 (31%), and Latinos (29%) are most likely to say they have considered moving because of global warming. Notably, renters (31%) are more likely than homeowners (17%) to say this.
About a quarter of adults say they have considered moving to a different home to avoid the impacts of global warming
% yes
![figure - About a quarter of adults say they have considered moving to a different home to avoid the impacts of global warming](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/survey-0724_topic-5_fig1.png)
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2024. Survey was fielded from June 24–July 2, 2024 (n=1,648 adults, n=1,261 likely voters).
About a third of adults (35%) say they have personally been affected by an extreme weather event in the past two years. This share was higher last July, when 45 percent said the same. About four in ten Central Valley (41%) and San Francisco Bay area (39%) residents report being affected by extreme weather, compared fewer than four in ten in the Inland Empire (36%), Los Angeles (31%), and Orange/San Diego (28%).
About eight in ten Californians say the threat of wildfires is a big problem (39%) or somewhat of a problem (40%) in their part of the state. The share of residents saying this is particularly high in the Inland Empire (37% big, 51% somewhat). About a quarter of adults (26%) say wildfires in their part of California are a very serious threat to their personal and economic well-being. This feeling is more prevalent among residents in the Inland Empire (32%) and the Central Valley (30%) than among those in the coastal regions of Los Angeles (27%), Orange/San Diego (23%), and the San Francisco Bay Area (17%). The share holding this view declines with rising income and is highest among Latinos (32%) compared to other racial or ethnic groups.
Fewer than four in ten Californians say they have been personally affected by an extreme weather event in the last two years
![figure - Fewer than four in ten Californians say they have been personally affected by an extreme weather event in the last two years](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/survey-0724_topic-5_fig2.png)
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2024. Survey was fielded from June 24–July 2, 2024 (n=1,648 adults, n=1,261 likely voters).
About two in ten Californians have a great deal of confidence in the government’s readiness to respond to extreme weather events in their part of California. About six in ten have some confidence, while about a quarter have hardly any confidence. The share with a great deal of confidence is higher among Democrats (29% great deal) than among independents (13%) and Republicans (11%). Across regional and demographic groups, residents in Orange/San Diego (24%) and African Americans (29%) have the most confidence in the government’s extreme weather response.
When asked if they are personally prepared for a disaster themselves, only 35 percent of adults say they are prepared for a disaster, while 45 percent say they intend to prepare in the next six months (23%) or the next year (22%), and 20 percent say they do not intend to prepare for a disaster in the next year. Californians are more likely to say they are prepared for a disaster than Americans overall: according to FEMA’s 2023 National Household Survey, 51 percent of Americans said they were prepared for a disaster.
In California, about half of Republicans say they are prepared for a disaster, compared to smaller shares of independents and Democrats. Across regions, about four in ten residents in Orange/San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area say they are prepared, while smaller shares in Los Angeles, the Central Valley, and the Inland Empire say the same. Similar shares of men and women report being prepared for a disaster. Whites are more likely than African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinos to say they are prepared. The share reporting preparedness for a disaster increases with rising income; homeowners (42%) are more likely to say they are prepared than renters (27%).
Only a fifth of Californians have a great deal of confidence in the government response to extreme weather events, while fewer than four in ten say they are personally prepared for a disaster
![table - Only a fifth of Californians have a great deal of confidence in the government response to extreme weather events, while fewer than four in ten say they are personally prepared for a disaster](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/survey-0724_topic-5_tab.png)
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2024. Survey was fielded from June 24–July 2, 2024 (n=1,648 adults, n=1,261 likely voters).
State and Federal Approval Ratings
In 2022, Governor Newsom and the legislature agreed on a comprehensive plan to address climate change: the California Climate Commitment. Since the passage of this $54 billion package, cuts totaling more than $9 billion have been made to help close budget deficits. When asked about their handling of environmental issues today, Californians offer mixed reviews of the governor (52% approve, 45% disapprove) and the legislature (49% approve, 48% disapprove). Approval of Governor Newsom’s handling of the environment is down 6 percentage points since last July (58%) and down 17 points since July 2020 (69%). Approval of the legislature is down 5 points since last July (54%), and down 13 points since July 2020 (62%).
Approval of Governor Newsom’s handling of environmental issues is far higher among Democrats (78%) than among independents (44%) and Republicans (15%). Across regions, his approval is highest in the San Francisco Bay Area (62%), followed by Los Angeles (57%), Orange/San Diego (51%), the Inland Empire (47%), and the Central Valley (43%). African Americans (64%), Asian Americans (58%), and Latinos (55%) are more likely than whites (46%) to approve, and half or more across age and income groups hold this view.
Views on the legislature’s handling of environmental issues follow similar patterns. There is a wide partisan divide (72% Democrats, 44% independents, 13% Republicans), and approval is highest in the San Francisco Bay Area (61%) and lowest in the Inland Empire (41%) and the Central Valley (40%; 53% Los Angeles, 48% Orange/San Diego). African Americans (59%) and Asian Americans (57%) are the most likely to approve of the legislature’s handling of environmental issues (Latinos 51%; whites 44%).
About half of adults approve of the governor's and state legislature's handling of environmental issues
![figure - About half of adults approve of the governor's and state legislature's handling of environmental issues](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/survey-0724_topic-6_fig1.png)
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, 2011–2024.
Californians are divided on President Biden’s handling of environmental issues (49% approve, 48% disapprove)—similar to findings in July 2023 (47%) and July 2022 (49%), but down 12 points since July 2021 (61%). There is a wide partisan divide (74% Democrats, 46% independents, 18% Republicans), and across regions, approval surpasses 50 percent only in the San Francisco Bay Area (59%; 50% Los Angeles, 47% Orange/San Diego, 43% Inland Empire, 41% Central Valley). African Americans (59%) and Asian Americans (56%) are more likely than Latinos (48%) and whites (46%) to approve, while approval is higher among older Californians and those with higher incomes and educational attainment.
Just one in four Californians (24%) approve of Congress’s handling of environmental issues, while overwhelming majorities (73%) disapprove. Views have been similar in recent years, and approval has never been higher than 35 percent since we began asking this question in July 2011. Today, approval is no higher than 35 percent across parties (28% Democrats, 18% independents, 14% Republicans), regions, and demographic groups.
About half of adults approve of the president's handling of environmental issues, while one in four approve of Congress on these issues
![figure - About half of adults approve of the president's handling of environmental issues, while one in four approve of Congress on these issues](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/survey-0724_topic-6_fig2.png)
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, 2011-2024.
Californians are even less likely to trust the state and federal governments to do what is right when it comes to handling environmental issues. Forty-four percent say they trust the state government to do what is right just about always (6%) or most of the time (38%), while a majority (55%) say they trust only some of the time. Trust today is down slightly from recent years and down 9 points since July 2020 (53% just about always or most of the time). Today, two in three Democrats express trust, compared to far fewer independents and Republicans. The share of Californians saying they trust the state government’s handling of environmental issues at least most of the time reaches a majority only among residents in the San Francisco Bay Area, Asian Americans, African Americans, and college graduates (50%).
Only about three in ten Californians say they trust the federal government to do what is right just about always (3%) or most of the time (26%), while an overwhelming majority (70%) say they trust it only some of the time. While Democrats are nearly twice as trusting as Republicans and independents: just one in three Democrats say they trust the federal government always or most of the time. Looking beyond parties, fewer than four in ten across regions and demographic groups—with the exception of Latinos—say they trust the federal government’s handling of environmental issues at least most of the time.
Californians trust the state government more than the federal government to do what is right when it comes to handling environmental issues
% saying just about always or most of the time
![table - Californians trust the state government more than the federal government to do what is right when it comes to handling environmental issues](https://www.ppic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/survey-0724_topic-6_tab.png)
SOURCE: PPIC Statewide Survey, July 2024. Survey was fielded from June 24–July 2, 2024 (n=1,648 adults, n=1,261 likely voters).
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