Alec Tyson

More than half of U.S. adults (56%) say they talk about science news with others at least a few times a month.

Large majorities value government investments in science and consider it important for the United States to be a world leader in scientific achievement, but few think the country is gaining ground globally.

Overall, 46% of Americans say the statement “public health officials were unprepared for the outbreak” describes their views extremely or very well, including similar shares of Republicans and Democrats.

Overall, two-thirds of Americans support providing incentives to increase the use of electric and hybrid vehicles.

Several climate policies receive bipartisan support, despite Republicans and Democrats differing on the overall approach.

Americans offer a lackluster evaluation of how the country has balanced priorities during the coronavirus outbreak. Fewer than half say the country has given the right amount of priority to the needs of K-12 students, public health or quality of life.

Yet renewable sources, like wind and solar, remain Americans’ overall priority for domestic production.

As has often been the case on policy questions about how to deal with the pandemic, partisans are far apart in their views on mask mandates.

Public views are tied to how these technologies would be used and what constraints would be in place.

Majorities of Americans say the United States should prioritize the development of renewable energy sources and take steps toward the country becoming carbon neutral by the year 2050. But just 31% want to phase out fossil fuels completely, and many foresee unexpected problems in a major transition to renewable energy.