More Americans now oppose than favor allowing more offshore oil and gas drilling in U.S. waters. Americans who live close to a coastline are less supportive of expanding offshore drilling than those who live farther from a coast.
America’s confidence in the scientific community appears to be relatively strong. But the degree of public trust in scientists across climate, food and medical issues varies, and many express moderate rather than strongly positive views.
The U.S. has more foreign students enrolled in its colleges and universities than any other country in the world. Explore data about foreign students in the U.S. higher education system.
Gaps between Republicans and Democrats over racial discrimination, immigration and poverty assistance have widened considerably in recent years.
Overall, 36% of Americans get science news at least a few times a week and three-in-ten actively seek it. Most get science news from general news outlets, but more see specialty sources as being accurate.
People around the world identify ISIS and climate change as leading international threats. Many also name cyberattacks from other countries and the condition of the global economy as major challenges.
Americans lean toward regulations – not economic markets alone – as the most effective way to increase reliance on renewable energy, but they are evenly split on whether fewer regulations can protect air and water.
More Democrats and younger adults believe last month's science marches will lead to public support for science, while Republicans and older adults tend to disagree.
Read an interview with Director of Journalism Research Amy Mitchell, who helped author the study.
Americans support protecting the environment, but there are deep partisan divides. And they give other issues, like the economy or terrorism, greater priority.
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About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.
