1. 1 July 2002 Louisiana RoperASW Study Environmental Attitudes and Knowledge Survey 2002

2. 2 Outline of Report n Background n Key Findings Key Findings n Environmental Knowledge: Perceptions & Reality Environmental Knowledge: Perceptions & Reality n Environmental Attitudes Environmental Attitudes n Environmental Behavior Environmental Behavior n Environmental Condition Of Louisiana Environmental Condition Of Louisiana n Conclusions Conclusions n Appendix: Demographics n Appendix: Methodology

3. 3 Background n The Office of the Governor, Office of Environmental Education of the State of Louisiana, commissioned RoperASW to conduct a survey of Louisiana residents on the topics of environmental knowledge, attitudes and behavior. n The survey used in the research was originally designed by RoperASW and the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation (NEETF) in 1999 for a national survey of Americans. NEETF gave permission to RoperASW and the Governor’s Office to use the survey wording and national data from 1999 for comparison purposes. n The results of the Louisiana RoperASW Survey will provide a snapshot of Louisiana residents’ knowledge and attitudes about the environment in 2002, highlighting the topics which will require further communications with residents.

4. 4 Key Findings n Environmental Knowledge è A majority of Louisiana residents, 63%, report that they have at least a fair amount of knowledge of environmental issues. è This is significantly lower than the self-reported knowledge of all Americans, of whom 69% estimate that they have at least a fair amount of knowledge about environmental issues. Men and college graduates are among the most likely to say they know at least a fair amount about environmental issues. è Despite their estimates of environmental knowledge, when presented with a quiz of 10 multiple-choice questions about current and emerging environmental issues, few Louisiana residents or Americans overall fare well. Just 4% of Louisiana residents and Americans overall pass the quiz, answering 7 or more questions correctly. Louisiana residents average just 3.0 correct answers, while Americans overall average just 3.2 correct answers.

5. 5 Key Findings n Environmental Knowledge è Though knowledge is low among almost everyone, some groups know more than others. Each of these groups correctly answered significantly more questions on the quiz than their respective counterparts. Males Adults under age 65 College graduates Residents from Southern parishes Those with higher self-reported environmental knowledge -Even among this group, a majority only answer two questions correctly è The same patterns hold nationally.

6. 6 Key Findings n Environmental Knowledge è Of the topics on the quiz, Louisiana residents and Americans perform best on determining the most common reason an animal species becomes extinct (Louisiana, 65%; US, 70%). è Louisiana residents and Americans perform worst on determining the leading cause of childhood death worldwide (Louisiana, 8%; US, 7%). è Importantly, for six of the ten questions, between 15% and 25% of Louisiana residents and Americans overall are unable to give an answer to the question. Clearly, many individuals do not feel they have adequate information about these topics to make an informed response to the question.

7. 7 Key Findings n Environmental Attitudes è The majority of Louisiana residents, 66%, state that environmental protection and economic development can go hand-in-hand, rather than having to choose between the two. This is significantly higher than among all Americans, of whom 61% opt for the hand-in-hand option. è When forced to choose between the two, 63% of Louisiana residents choose environmental protection. This is significantly lower than among all Americans, of whom 70% would choose the environment over the economy. è Thinking about current environmental protection regulations and laws, three times as many Louisiana residents say current laws do not go far enough (43%) as say the laws go too far (15%). Those who would choose the environment over the economy are far above average in saying that current laws do not go far enough. Those who would choose the economy over the environment are far above average in saying that current laws already go too far.

8. 8 Key Findings n Environmental Attitudes è Of five specific areas of environmental laws and regulations, the proportion saying current laws do not go far enough is highest both in Louisiana and nationally for… Water pollution (Louisiana, 71%; US, 69%) Air pollution (Louisiana, 66%; US, 62%) è Louisiana residents (53%) are significantly more likely than Americans overall (46%) to say that laws to protect wetland areas do not go far enough. This should not be surprising given the topography of the state, with a large lake, a major river, and the Gulf of Mexico within or creating its boundaries. è However, Americans overall (52%) are significantly more likely than Louisiana residents (46%) to say that laws to protect wild and natural areas do not go far enough. The reason for this difference is unclear. Perhaps the fact that 48% of Louisiana’s land is covered in forests leads some to say that no further laws are needed to protect these wild and natural areas.

9. 9 Key Findings n Environmental Behavior è As might be expected, mass media such as television and radio (86%) and newspapers and magazines (84%) are the sources used most often by Louisiana residents to obtain information about the environment. Thus, these would be the best ways to disseminate environmental information to residents in the future. Fewer report using a library (47%) or the Internet (43%), although the use of libraries and the Internet is considerably above average among those age 18-34. è While majorities of Louisiana residents consider each possible source of environmental information to be at least somewhat accurate, those who have used a given source are far more likely to consider it accurate.

10. 10 Key Findings n Environmental Behavior è Among Louisiana residents, majorities frequently perform 4 of 8 activities that are beneficial to the environment. è Of the 8 activities, the one performed most frequently by Louisiana residents (87%) and Americans (83%) alike is turning off lights and electrical appliances when not in use. è However, Americans overall (64%) are far more likely than Louisiana residents (40%) to say they frequently recycle newspapers, cans, and glass. è Nationally, there are differences in frequent performance of the activities by self-reported environmental knowledge (highest among those who say they have a lot of knowledge) and opinion of current environmental regulations (highest among those saying laws do not go far enough), relationships not seen in Louisiana. These two patterns may indicate that in Louisiana, participation in these activities is based more on who one is (demographics) rather than what one thinks or knows about the environment (attitudes).

11. 11 Key Findings n Environmental Condition of Louisiana è Louisiana residents are almost twice as likely to say the natural environment is worse off in Louisiana (40%) than to say it is better off (23%) compared to ten years ago. About one-third (30%) say conditions are basically unchanged. Residents living in Southern parishes are significantly more likely than those living in the North to say Louisiana’s natural environment is worse off (44% versus 31%). Northern residents are more likely to say it is about the same as it was ten years ago (36% versus 28%). è Of a list of 8 possible causes of environmental problems in Louisiana, residents are most likely to consider the petrochemical industry to be a major cause (68%). By comparison, 56% say garbage and vehicles are major causes of these problems. About half (48%) place the blame with the behavior of individuals. Southern residents are significantly more likely than Northern residents to say the petrochemical industry is a major cause (72% versus 57%). This may be a reflection of the presence of the petrochemical industry near the southern coast of the state.

12. 12 Environmental Knowledge: Perceptions & Reality

13. 13 Environmental Knowledge: Perceptions & Reality n At the heart of the Louisiana RoperASW Study is an examination of Louisiana residents’ knowledge of current environmental issues. n Residents were first asked to rate what they perceive to be their own level of knowledge of environmental issues and problems, followed by a 10 question quiz to test their actual knowledge of environmental issues and problems. n Comparisons are made to the 1999 study of all Americans conducted for NEETF.

14. 14 Self-Reported Environmental Knowledge n Like Americans as a whole, Louisiana residents claim to know at least a fair amount about the environment. è One in ten of both groups say they know a lot about the topic. è However, the combined a lot/a fair amount figure is significantly higher for all Americans (69%) than for Louisiana residents (63%). * = statistically significant difference * *

15. 15 Self-Reported Environmental Knowledge (cont.) n Among subgroups in Louisiana... è Men (14%) are more likely than women (4%) to say they know a lot about the environment. è Further, when the a lot and a fair amount categories are combined, men report greater knowledge than do women about the environment (69% versus 57%). This also holds true for all Americans (74% versus 66%). è Louisiana residents who have completed higher levels of education also feel their knowledge of the environment is greater. (For a lot/fair amount: 78% College Graduate, 70% Some College, 55% High School Grad or less). è Southern Louisiana residents are significantly more likely than their Northern counterparts to say they know a lot about the environment (10% versus 5%).

16. 16 Self-Reported Environmental Knowledge (cont.) GenderEducationParish HSSomeColl. TotalMaleFemaleGrad.Coll.Grad.NorthSouth %%%% A lot/a fair amount6369575570785964 A lot91447914510 A fair amount5455534861645454 Only a little3128343726193430 Practically nothing64874375 n Among subgroups in Louisiana... = statistically significant difference

17. 17 Actual Environmental Knowledge n Louisiana residents, and Americans as a whole, know much less about the environment than they think. è The vast majority of both Louisiana residents and all Americans fail a ten question quiz about emerging environmental issues. Just 4% of each group “pass” the quiz (7 or more correct). Mean Number of Correct Answers:Louisiana3.0 All Americans3.2

18. 18 Some know more than others... n Even though environmental knowledge is low among almost everyone, some groups know more than others. Each of these groups correctly answered significantly more questions on the quiz than their respective counterparts. è Males è Adults under age 65 è College graduates è Residents from Southern parishes è Those with higher self-reported environmental knowledge... backing up their estimates to some extent n Nationally, the same patterns hold, with males, those under age 65, college graduates, and those self-reporting a lot environmental knowledge performing better than their respective counterparts.

19. 19 Some know more than others... n Mean number of correct answers Self-Reported GenderAgeEducationKnowledgeParish HSSomeColl.FairLittle/ TotalMaleFemale18-6465+Grad.Coll.Grad.A lotAmountNothingNorthSouth %%%%%%% Louisiana3.03.42.63.12.62.73.23.73.63.22.62.83.1 National3.23.72.73.32.62.73.54.04.03.32.7---- = statistically significant difference

20. 20 The Quiz: Summary of Performance by Topic Area n Louisiana residents perform about the same on the quiz as all Americans, with three exceptions where they perform more poorly: the most common reason an animal species becomes extinct; the primary reason for a worldwide reduction in saltwater fish; and the most common source of water pollution. Percentage answering correctly, by question topicLA 2002US 1999% Most common reason an animal species becomes extinct6570 Greatest threat posed by waste disposal areas5052 Main cause of global climate change4445 Primary method that chemicals and minerals enter human body3031 How most electricity in the United States is generated2628 Greatest source of landfill material2423 Primary reason for worldwide reduction in saltwater (ocean) fish1925 Most common source of water pollution1924 Percentage of world’s water that is fresh and available for use1213 Leading cause of childhood death worldwide 8 7 = statistically significant difference

21. 21 The Quiz: “How is Most of the Electricity in the U.S. Generated? Is it...” n Though the correct answer is by burning oil, coal, and wood, more Louisiana residents incorrectly think hydro electric plants generate most of the electricity in the US. è When this question was asked of all Americans, hydro electric plants was also named most often, incorrectly. è Importantly, 1 in 5 Louisiana residents and Americans overall are unable to give an answer to this question.

22. 22 “How is most of the electricity in the U.S. generated? Is it...” (cont.) Louisiana All Americans * * = statistically significant difference *

23. 23 “How is most of the electricity in the U.S. generated? Is it...” (cont.) n Among subgroups in Louisiana... Men are more likely than women in Louisiana to give the correct answer. 37% of males said by burning oil, coal, and wood, compared to just 16% of females. -Nationally, more males than females answer correctly as well. Education also correlates with the correct answer. 45% of college grads say oil, coal, and wood, significantly higher than the 21% among high school graduates. -Nationally, those with a college degree are the most likely to answer correctly. Residents from Northern parishes (41%) are significantly more likely than Southern parish residents (31%) to erroneously say hydro electric plants. At the same time, residents in the South (20%) are more likely than their Northern counterparts (13%) to incorrectly say nuclear power -- this may be a reflection of the Waterford and River Bend nuclear power plants which are located in the Southern part of the state. This is one of five issues for which those who say that they possess a lot of knowledge of environmental issues (45%) are more likely to give the correct response than those who say they have little or no knowledge of environmental issues (18%). This pattern is also seen nationally.

24. 24 The Quiz: “What is the most common cause of pollution of streams, rivers and oceans? Is it...” n Adhering to an out-of-date stereotype, a plurality of both Louisiana residents and Americans say waste dumped by factories is the most common cause of water pollution, but the correct answer is surface water running off of yards, streets, lots, and farm fields. è Half (49%) of Louisiana residents incorrectly say factories are the biggest cause of pollution, while only 19% correctly say surface water run off. è Nationally, factory waste is also mentioned most often, but Americans overall (24%) are significantly more likely than Louisiana residents (19%) to give the correct answer of surface water run off.

25. 25 “What is the most common cause of pollution of streams, rivers and oceans? Is it...” (cont.) Louisiana All Americans * * = statistically significant difference * * *

26. 26 “What is the most common cause of pollution of streams, rivers and oceans? Is it...” (cont.) n Among those giving the correct answer of surface water running off of yards, streets, lots, and farm fields... Men (28%) are more than twice as likely as women (11%) to answer correctly. -Nationally, more males than females answer correctly as well. Education again correlates with the correct answer. 28% of college grads say oil, coal, and wood, significantly higher than the 15% among high school graduates. -Nationally, those with a college degree are the most likely to answer correctly. Residents in Southern parishes (21%) are also more likely than those in the North (12%) to correctly say that surface water is the biggest polluter of the nation’s streams, rivers and oceans. -This may be due to increased awareness of water given the topography of Southern Louisiana, though the majority in the South still answer incorrectly. This is one of five issues for which those who self-report that they possess a lot of knowledge of environmental issues (35%) are more likely to give the correct response than those who say they have little or no knowledge of environmental issues (12%). -This pattern is also seen nationally.

27. 27 The Quiz: “What do you think is the main cause of global climate change or the warming of the planet Earth? Is it...” n Over 4 in 10 of both Louisiana residents and all Americans give the correct answer of more carbon emissions from autos, homes, and industry. è 44% of Louisiana and 45% of all Americans answered correctly, making it the question with the third largest proportion of correct answers. Education again correlates with the correct answer. 50% of college grads say more carbon emissions, significantly higher than the 40% among high school graduates. -Nationally, those with at least some college education are also the most likely to answer correctly. While incorrect, sunlight radiating through a hole in the upper ozone layer is a popular second choice, significantly higher among women (28%) than men (20%). This was also seen nationally. è Importantly, 1 in 4 Louisiana residents and 1 in 5 Americans overall are unable to give an answer to this question.

28. 28 “What do you think is the main cause of global climate change or the warming of the planet Earth? Is it...” (cont.) Louisiana All Americans * * = statistically significant difference

29. 29 The Quiz: “What percentage of the world’s water is fresh and available for use? Is it...” n Both Louisiana residents and all Americans badly overestimate the percentage of the world’s water supply that is fresh and available for use. With just 12% answering correctly (i.e., saying 1%), this is second-lowest proportion of correct answers among Louisiana residents. è It appears that most people made a guess at this question, as no single response, right or wrong, stands out from the others. While 1% is the correct response, named by just 12% of Louisiana residents and 13% of all Americans, 10% is the most cited choice. Education again correlates with the correct answer. 15% of college grads say 1% is available, significantly higher than the 9% among high school graduates, though most in both groups answer incorrectly. -Nationally, those with a college degree are also the most likely to answer correctly. è Importantly, nearly 1 in 4 Louisiana residents and Americans overall are unable to give an answer to this question.

30. 30 “What percentage of the world’s water is fresh and available for use? Is it...” (cont.) Louisiana All Americans * * = statistically significant difference *

31. 31 The Quiz: “The current reduction in the number of certain species of salt-water fish is primarily due to which of the following...?” n Just 1 in 5 Louisiana residents (19%) correctly identify increased harvesting by fishing vessels as the primary reason for the reduction in the number of certain species of saltwater/ocean fish. Twice as many Louisiana residents (40%) incorrectly name pollution of coastal waters as the cause of the demise in saltwater fish as the correct answer, fishing vessels. Americans overall (25%) are significantly more likely than Louisiana residents (19%) to give the correct answer of increased harvesting by fishing vessels. è Importantly, as many Louisiana residents are unable to give an answer (20%) as give the correct answer (19%). Nationally, 1 in 6 Americans are unable to give an answer to this question.

32. 32 “The current reduction in the number of certain species of salt-water fish is primarily due to which of the following...?” (cont.) Louisiana All Americans * * = statistically significant difference *

33. 33 “The current reduction in the number of certain species of salt-water fish is primarily due to which of the following...?” (cont.) n Among subgroups in Louisiana... Men are more likely than women in Louisiana to give the correct answer. 25% of males said increased harvesting by fishing vessels, compared to just 14% of females. -Nationally, more males than females answer correctly as well. Education also correlates with the correct answer. 27% of college grads said increased harvesting by fishing vessels, significantly higher than the 18% among high school graduates. -Nationally, those with a college degree are also among the most likely to answer correctly. This is one of five issues for which those who self-report that they possess a lot of knowledge of environmental issues (25%) are more likely to give the correct response than those who say they have little or no knowledge of environmental issues (13%). -This pattern is also seen nationally.

34. 34 The Quiz: “What is the leading cause of childhood death worldwide? Is it...” n There is a clearly a misconception in Louisiana and across the United States when it comes to the leading cause of childhood death worldwide. Very few correctly identify germs in the water as the leading cause, while the majority in both groups think it is malnutrition and starvation. Less than one in ten in Louisiana (8%) and in the US (7%) correctly identify germs in the water as the leading cause of childhood death, making it the question answered correctly the least often. A majority of both Louisiana residents (54%) and all Americans (60%) give malnutrition and starvation as the leading cause of childhood death worldwide. -Images on TV and in direct mail of malnourished children sponsored by some relief agencies may lead in part to this incorrect assumption. There are no subgroup differences of note due to the low proportion of correct answers.

35. 35 “What is the leading cause of childhood death worldwide? Is it...” (cont.) Louisiana All Americans * * = statistically significant difference

36. 36 The Quiz: “What is the most common reason that an animal species becomes extinct? Is it...” n This is the question most likely to be answered correctly by both Louisiana residents and all Americans. Two-thirds or more correctly identify their habitats are being destroyed by humans as the leading cause of extinction of an animal species. è Americans overall (70%) are significantly more likely than Louisiana residents (65%) to give the correct answer of destruction of the animals’ habitats. è In another reflection of knowledge of this topic, just 7% of Louisiana residents and 7% of all Americans are unable to give an answer to this question.

37. 37 “What is the most common reason that an animal species becomes extinct? Is it...” (cont.) Louisiana All Americans * * = statistically significant difference

38. 38 “What is the most common reason that an animal species becomes extinct? Is it...” (cont.) n Among subgroups in Louisiana... Residents under the age of 65 are more likely than those 65 or older to give the correct answer. Older residents were more likely to place the blame with pesticides. -Nationally, the same patterns are evident. Education also correlates with the correct answer. 69% of college grads and 70% of those with some college cite destruction of habitats, significantly higher than the 61% among high school graduates. -Nationally, those with at least some college education are also more likely to answer correctly.

39. 39 The Quiz: “There are thousands of waste disposal areas - dumps and landfills - in the U.S. that hold toxic waste. The greatest threat posed by these waste disposal areas is...?” n Roughly half of both Louisiana residents and Americans overall correctly say the greatest threat of waste disposal areas is the contamination of water supplies. è 50% of Louisiana residents and 52% of Americans overall answer correctly, making it the question with the second largest proportion of correct answers. è Chemical air pollution is named incorrectly by about 2 in 10 as the greatest threat of waste disposal areas. è About 1 in 6 Louisiana residents and Americans overall are unable to give an answer to this question.

40. 40 “There are thousands of waste disposal areas - dumps and landfills - in the U.S. that hold toxic waste. The greatest threat posed by these waste disposal areas is...?” (cont.) Louisiana All Americans

41. 41 “There are thousands of waste disposal areas - dumps and landfills - in the U.S. that hold toxic waste. The greatest threat posed by these waste disposal areas is...?” (cont.) n Among subgroups in Louisiana... Men are more likely than women in Louisiana to give the correct answer. 55% of males said contamination of water supplies, compared to 47% of females. -Nationally, more males than females answer correctly as well. Interestingly, residents age 35-44 and 45-64 are more likely than those age 18-34 or 65+ to answer correctly. -This pattern is also seen nationally. Education also correlates with the correct answer. 66% of college grads said contamination of water supplies, significantly higher than the 44% among high school graduates. -Nationally, those with a college degree are also among the most likely to answer correctly. This is one of five issues for which those who self-report that they possess a lot of knowledge of environmental issues (64%) are more likely to give the correct response than those who say they have little or no knowledge of environmental issues (41%), a pattern also seen nationally.

42. 42 The Quiz: “Many communities are concerned about running out of room in their community trash dumps and landfills. Is the greatest source of landfill material...?” n Though many Louisiana residents and Americans overall say bottles and cans are the greatest source of landfill material, paper products including newspapers, cardboard and packaging are actually the greatest source of landfill material. è As no single response, right or wrong, stands out from the others, it may be that many people made a guess at this question. è In both Louisiana and the U.S. overall, men (Louisiana, 31%;US, 28%) are more likely than women (Louisiana, 18%;US, 19%) to give the correct answer of paper products. Women, on the other hand, are significantly more likely than men to say disposable diapers are the greatest source of landfill material. è In Louisiana, those with children are also above average in citing disposable diapers. This is not seen nationally.

43. 43 “Many communities are concerned about running out of room in their community trash dumps and landfills. Is the greatest source of landfill material...?” (cont.) Louisiana All Americans * * = statistically significant difference *

44. 44 The Quiz: “Some scientists have expressed concern that certain chemicals and minerals may accumulate in the human body at dangerous levels. Do these chemicals and minerals enter the body primarily through...?” n Louisiana residents and Americans overall are split between two responses -- thinking chemicals and minerals enter the body primarily through either drinking water (the correct answer), or by breathing air. è 30% of Louisiana residents and 31% of all Americans give the correct answer of drinking water. è Significantly more Americans overall (32%) than Louisiana residents (28%) incorrectly cite breathing air. è 16% of both groups are unable to give an answer to this question.

45. 45 “Some scientists have expressed concern that certain chemicals and minerals may accumulate in the human body at dangerous levels. Do these chemicals and minerals enter the body primarily through...?” (cont.) Louisiana All Americans * * = statistically significant difference *

46. 46 “Some scientists have expressed concern that certain chemicals and minerals may accumulate in the human body at dangerous levels. Do these chemicals and minerals enter the body primarily through...?” (cont.) n Among subgroups in Louisiana... Men are more likely than women in Louisiana to give the correct answer. 34% of males said drinking water, compared to 26% of females. -Nationally, more males than females answer correctly as well. Nationally, those with a college degree are more likely than those who are high school graduates to answer correctly. In Louisiana, a similar pattern exists, though the difference is not statistically significant. This is one of five issues for which those who self-report that they possess a lot of knowledge of environmental issues (41%) are more likely to give the correct response than those who say they have little or no knowledge of environmental issues (28%). A similar pattern exists nationally, though the difference is not statistically significant.

47. 47 Environmental Attitudes

48. 48 Environmental Attitudes n The Louisiana RoperASW Survey included several questions regarding attitudes toward the environment and environmental issues. These include... è Whether environmental protection and economic development can go hand-in-hand. è If forced to choose, whether would select environmental protection or economic development. è Attitudes toward environmental regulations overall. è Attitudes toward environmental regulations of specific areas. n Comparisons are again made to the 1999 study of all Americans conducted for NEETF.

49. 49 Can Environmental Protection and Economic Development Go Hand-in-Hand? n Two thirds of Louisiana residents (and six in ten of all Americans) say the two can go hand-in-hand. One- fourth, however, think that a choice must be made between the two. è While there are not many demographic differences in opinion, education does play a role. The more education a person possesses, the more likely he/she is to agree that environmental protection and economic development can go hand in hand. In Louisiana, 75% of those with a college degree say the two can go hand-in-hand, compared to 69% of those with some college and 62% of those with no more than a high school education.

50. 50 Can Environmental Protection and Economic Development Go Hand-in-Hand? (cont.) * * = statistically significant difference

51. 51 Choosing between environmental protection and economic development n When a compromise cannot be found between environmental protection and economic development, the majority choose the environment. è Significantly more Americans overall (70%) than Louisiana residents (63%) choose environmental protection. Although a minority opinion, significantly more Louisiana residents (24%) than Americans overall (18%) prefer economic development. -Whether this is due to differing economic conditions in Louisiana and the US overall is not covered in this research. è Demographics do not appear to play a large role in determining a person’s attitude, though those under the age of 65 are more likely than those age 65 or older to choose the environment. è Interestingly, among those Louisiana residents who stated that environmental protection and economic development cannot go hand in hand, i.e., that a choice must be made between the two, two-thirds would opt for environmental protection.

52. 52 Choosing between environmental protection and economic development (cont.) * * = statistically significant difference *

53. 53 Have environmental protection laws gone too far, not gone far enough, or struck the right balance? n Three times as many Louisiana residents say environmental protection laws have not gone far enough, as say the laws already go too far. è Forty-three percent of Louisiana residents say laws have not gone far enough, compared to 15% who say the laws have gone too far. One third (34%) say environmental protection laws have struck the right balance. è Significantly more Americans overall than Louisiana residents state that current laws do not go far enough, by a 47% to 43% margin. è Meanwhile, significantly more Louisiana residents than Americans overall say that current laws strike the right balance, by a 34% to 29% margin.

54. 54 Have environmental protection laws gone too far, not gone far enough, or struck the right balance? (cont.) * * = statistically significant difference *

55. 55 n Among subgroups in Louisiana... è Environmental protection laws have not gone far enough is highest among: Those under the age of 65 (45%) Those with no more than some college education (44%) Those who say they know a fair amount about the environment (47%) è Environmental protection laws have gone too far is highest among: Males (19%) Those with a college degree (20%) Those who say they know a lot about the environment (24%) n Still, though some subgroups in Louisiana state that environmental laws already go too far, even in these groups, greater proportions say that the current regulations either strike the right balance or do not go far enough. Have environmental protection laws gone too far, not gone far enough, or struck the right balance? (cont.)

56. 56 n Among Louisiana residents, those who say current laws do not go far enough are above average in saying that one must choose between environmental protection and economic development. They are above average in selecting environmental protection if a choice had to be made. n Those who say current laws already go too far are above average in saying that they would select economic development if a choice had to be made. n Those who say current laws strike the right balance are above average in saying that environmental protection and economic development can go hand in hand. n The same patterns exist nationally. Environmental Regulations Gone Not Gone Struck Right Total Too Far Far EnoughBalance %% The environment and economy... Can go hand in hand66656175 Must choose between them24253117 If had to choose, would... Choose economy24531624 Choose environment63307757 Have environmental protection laws gone too far, not gone far enough, or struck the right balance? (cont.)

57. 57 Which environmental laws and regulations, in particular, have not gone far enough? n Louisiana residents and all Americans are asked their opinions about current regulation to: Fight air pollution Protect wild or natural areas Protect endangered species of plants, animals, and insects Protect wetland areas Fight water pollution n Regulations to fight water and air pollution are the two areas where respondents are most likely to think laws have not gone far enough. Less than two in ten think regulations have gone too far for any of the areas discussed.

58. 58 Fighting Air Pollution: Have regulations gone too far, not far enough, or struck the right balance? n A majority of both Louisiana residents and Americans overall say that regulations to fight air pollution do not go far enough. è Importantly, Louisiana residents (66%) are significantly more likely than all Americans (62%) to give the not gone far enough response. This may be a general comment about the air in the Mississippi delta region, as there is no difference in the proportion of residents in Northern and Southern parishes holding this opinion. Such a difference might have been expected given the presence of the petrochemical industry off the southern coast of the state.

59. 59 Fighting Air Pollution: Have regulations gone too far, not far enough, or struck the right balance? (cont.) * * = statistically significant difference

60. 60 Fighting Air Pollution: Have regulations gone too far, not far enough, or struck the right balance? (cont.) n Among Louisiana residents… è Air pollution laws have not gone far enough is highest among: Females (72%) 18-34 year olds (70%) Those with no more than some college education (67%) Those who would choose the environment over the economy (73%) è Air pollution laws have gone too far is highest among: Males (11%) Those who self-report a lot of environmental knowledge (14%) Those who would choose the economy over the environment (17%)

61. 61 Protecting Wild or Natural Areas: Have regulations gone too far, not far enough, or struck the right balance? n Only one in ten thinks regulations to protect wild or natural areas go too far, with most Americans and Louisiana residents split between saying they do not go far enough or that they strike the right balance. è Americans as a whole (52%) are significantly more likely than Louisiana residents (46%) to say these regulations have not gone far enough. è Louisiana residents are significantly more likely than all Americans to give the struck the right balance response.

62. 62 Protecting Wild or Natural Areas: Have regulations gone too far, not far enough, or struck the right balance? (cont.) * * = statistically significant difference *

63. 63 Protecting Wild or Natural Areas: Have regulations gone too far, not far enough, or struck the right balance? (cont.) n Among Louisiana residents… è Wild or natural areas protection laws have not gone far enough is highest among: 18-34 year olds (52%) Those residing in Southern parishes (49%) Those who would choose the environment over the economy (54%) è Wild or natural areas protection laws have gone too far is highest among: Males (15%) Those with a college degree (16%) Those who self-report a lot of environmental knowledge (18%) Those who would choose the economy over the environment (25%) è Those residing in Northern parishes are more likely than those in the South to give the right balance response, 45% vs. 38%.

64. 64 Protecting Endangered Species of Plants, Animals, and Insects: Have regulations gone too far, not far enough, or struck the right balance? n Both Americans and Louisiana residents are split between saying laws for the protection of endangered species do not go far enough and that the regulations strike the right balance. è There are no significant differences between the attitudes of Louisiana residents and all Americans on the topic of protecting endangered species of plants, animals, and insects.

65. 65 Protecting Endangered Species of Plants, Animals, & Insects: Have regulations gone too far, not far enough, or struck the right balance? (cont.)

66. 66 Protecting Endangered Species of Plants, Animals, and Insects: Have regulations gone too far, not far enough, or struck the right balance? (cont.) n Among Louisiana residents… è Endangered species laws have not gone far enough is highest among: 18-34 year olds (46%) Those with no more than a high school education (44%) Those who would choose the environment over the economy (49%) è Endangered species laws have gone too far is highest among: Males (23%) Those age 65 and over (27%) Those with a college degree (27%) Those who self-report a lot of environmental knowledge (32%) Those who would choose the economy over the environment (31%)

67. 67 Protecting Wetland Areas: Have regulations gone too far, not far enough, or struck the right balance? n Roughly half of Louisiana residents, and residents across the U.S., say regulations protecting wetland areas do not go far enough. Only one in ten say they go too far. è Louisiana residents are significantly more likely than all Americans to say that these regulations have not gone far enough, by a 53% to 46% margin. This is not surprising given the topography of the state, with a large lake, a major river, and the Gulf of Mexico within or creating its boundaries. è Still, Louisiana residents are also significantly more likely than all Americans to say that these regulations already go too far, by a 13% to 9% margin.

68. 68 Protecting Wetland Areas: Have regulations gone too far, not far enough, or struck the right balance? (cont.) * * = statistically significant difference *

69. 69 Protecting Wetland Areas: Have regulations gone too far, not far enough, or struck the right balance? (cont.) n Among Louisiana residents… è Wetland protection laws have not gone far enough is highest among: Those residing in Southern parishes (55%) Households with incomes under $20,000 (60%) Those who would choose the environment over the economy (61%) è Wetland protection laws have gone too far is highest among: Males (16%) Those with a college degree (19%) Those who self-report a lot of environmental knowledge (25%) Those who would choose the economy over the environment (22%) è Those residing in Northern parishes are more likely than those in the South to give the right balance response, 35% vs. 25%.

70. 70 Fighting Water Pollution: Have regulations gone too far, not far enough, or struck the right balance? n More Louisiana residents and Americans overall say regulations to fight water pollution do not go far enough than is the case for any of the other topic areas. è 71% of Louisiana residents and 69% of Americans overall want more water pollution laws. è Even among those who think current environmental regulations in general go too far, nearly half say laws to fight water pollution do not go far enough.

71. 71 Fighting Water Pollution: Have regulations gone too far, not far enough, or struck the right balance? (cont.)

72. 72 Fighting Water Pollution: Have regulations gone too far, not far enough, or struck the right balance? (cont.) n Among Louisiana residents… è Water pollution laws have not gone far enough is highest among: Women (74%) Those with no more than a high school education (73%) Those who would choose the environment over the economy (77%) è Water pollution laws have gone too far is highest among: Males (8%) Those who would choose the economy over the environment (12%)

73. 73 Environmental Behavior

74. 74 Environmental Behavior n To investigate how Louisiana residents learn about environmental issues and problems, the Louisiana RoperASW Survey included questions addressing possible sources of this information. These include... è Sources ever used for environmental information. è Accuracy of sources for environmental information. n This section also includes an examination of Louisiana residents’ participation in key environmentally-beneficial activities. Comparisons with regard to participation in these activities are made to the 1999 study of all Americans conducted for NEETF.

75. 75 Sources Ever Used to Get Information on the Environment and Environmental Issues n Mass media comprise the first tier of sources that Louisiana residents use for environmental information: television or radio (86%) and newspapers or magazines (84%). n A second tier of sources include: A library (47%) The Internet (43%) Government agencies (34%) n Just 19% of Louisiana residents say they have ever used environmental advocacy groups to get information on the environment and environmental issues.

76. 76 Sources Ever Used to Get Information on the Environment and Environmental Issues (cont.)

77. 77 Sources Used to Get Environmental Information: Subgroup Analysis n Education level, age, and region play important roles in whether or not residents have ever turned to sources for environmental information. Education -As education increases, so does usage of all of the sources, especially the non-mass media sources such as the Internet, government agencies, and environmental advocacy groups. Age -Those 18-34 are the most likely to use the Internet (58%) or a library (57%) for environmental information. On the other hand, 35-64 year- olds are the most likely to rely on government agencies. Parish -Residents in the South are significantly more likely than those in the North to have ever used newspapers or magazines (86% vs. 79%) and environmental advocacy groups (21% vs. 13%). Gender -There are no differences in use of sources by gender.

78. 78 Sources ever usedEducationAgeParish HSSomeColl.18-35-45- TotalGrad.Coll.Grad.34446465+NorthSouth %%%%% TV or radio86848891838790858487 Newspapers or magazines84808791838885807986 A library47425255574546274946 The Internet43345259584638154144 Government agencies34244351273841273234 Environmental advocacy groups19142331152022181321 Sources Used to Get Environmental Information: Subgroup Analysis (cont.) n The best way to reach those with no more than a high school education is mass media. The best way to reach younger residents is through the Internet or a library. = statistically significant difference

79. 79 Accuracy of Sources of Information about the Environment and Environmental Issues n Among all Louisiana residents, the most commonly used sources, TV or radio and newspapers or magazines, are also perceived as the most accurate. è Still, it is important to note that even though less than half have used sources such as the library or the Internet, the majority consider these sources very or somewhat accurate. è Among subgroups… Women and 18-34 year olds are more likely to rate most of the sources higher in accuracy than do males or older residents. Louisiana residents who say current environmental laws in general go too far are significantly less likely to rate these sources of information as accurate as compared to those who say current laws do not go far enough or strike the right balance. Those with at least some college are more likely to say the Internet and government agencies are accurate sources of information. There are no differences by parish.

80. 80 Accuracy of Sources of Information about the Environment and Environmental Issues (cont.) n Males, those over age 34, and those who say current environmental regulations go too far are the most skeptical of the information provided by these sources. Accuracy of sourceGenderAge Environmental Laws Very/somewhat combined18-35-45-TooNot farRight TotalMaleFemale34446465+FarEnoughBalance %%%%% Newspapers or magazines84798791837975738687 TV or radio81788587847875668486 A library76718183747568658180 Government agencies62616566586755516273 The Internet60596077585529566461 Environmental advocacy groups59546165556042316564 = statistically significant difference

81. 81 Accuracy of Sources of Information about the Environment and Environmental Issues, among those who have ever used the source n When those who have used a source are asked to rate its accuracy, ratings increase even further. è This is particularly true for sources not used by the majority of Louisiana residents. 93% of those who have used a library for environmental information say libraries are accurate sources of this information, compared 76% of all Louisiana residents. 90% of those who have used the Internet for environmental information say the Internet is accurate, compared to 60% of all residents. 80% of those who have used environmental advocacy groups for environmental information say these groups are accurate, compared to 59% of all residents. 77% of those who have used government agencies for environmental information say the agencies are accurate, compared to 62% of all residents. n It is not clear from the data whether those who use these sources turn to them because they are accurate, or whether the accuracy of the source leads these individuals to use them.

82. 82 Accuracy of Sources of Information about the Environment and Environmental Issues, among those who have ever used the source (cont.)

83. 83 Participation in Environmentally Beneficial Activities n Of 8 environmentally beneficial activities, Louisiana residents and Americans as a whole are most likely to frequently turn off lights and electrical appliances when not in use. This is higher among Americans overall. n The majority of members in both groups also frequently conserve water and cut down on the amount of garbage they create. n Americans overall (64%) are significantly more likely to recycle than are Louisiana residents (40%). Whether this difference is due to different types of recycling regulations or enforcement of the regulations in Louisiana and the rest of the nation was not investigated in this research. n Americans overall are also more likely to buy recyclable products and use alternative sources of transportation.

84. 84 “Frequent” Participation in Environmentally Beneficial Activities ** Note: Percent difference seen for use of chemicals may be due to the different terms used in the two surveys (“responsibly manage” versus “avoid”). * * = statistically significant difference * * * *

85. 85 Participation in Environmentally Beneficial Activities: Louisiana (cont.) n Among subgroups in Louisiana, there are key differences by gender, age, education, and parish: Gender -Women are significantly more likely than men to say they frequently try to cut down on the amount of trash they create, conserve water in the home and yard, and buy biodegradable or recyclable products. Age -18-34 year-olds are significantly less likely than older residents to frequently engage in 6 of the 8 environmentally beneficial activities. »However, this may be due in part to a lower home ownership level among this group. Other RoperASW data show that 18-34 year olds are less likely to own their residence. Individuals who do not have to pay water, electric, or garbage bills may not be as concerned about conserving these resources. Education -Those with a college degree are more likely to say they frequently recycle and responsibly manage chemical use in the yard or garden. Parish -Southern residents are significantly more likely than Northern residents to say they frequently recycle newspapers, cans and glass.

86. 86 Participation in Environmentally Beneficial Activities: Louisiana (cont.) è The patterns for gender and education are also seen nationally. Only for recycling, conserving water, and cutting down on trash does participation increase by age nationally. GenderAge Education Parish Fe-18-35-45-HSSomeColl. TotalMalemale34446465+Grad.Coll.Grad.NorthSouth %%%%%% Turn off lights and electrical appliances when not in use878689839291838789878588 Conserve water in your home and yard575360505960645658575557 Try to cut down on the amount of trash and garbage you create565160455461715757505755 Responsibly manage the use of chemicals in your yard and garden555456456661495060655455 Recycle things such as newspapers, cans, and glass404239313849493743472646 Buy biodegradable or recyclable products403545334347434238424140 Use other types of transportation, such as biking or the bus, instead of driving101010119101011117911 Participate in a public land clean-up day998791011899108 = statistically significant difference

87. 87 Participation in Environmentally Beneficial Activities: Louisiana (cont.) n Nationally, those who self-report their own environmental knowledge as a lot are more likely than those self- reporting less environmental knowledge to say they frequently perform 6 of the 8 activities. However, this relationship is not seen in Louisiana. n Similarly, among all Americans, those of the opinion that current regulations do not go far enough are more likely than those who say current laws go to far to frequently to conserve water, manage the use of chemicals in the yard, and cut down on the among of trash created. Again, this relationship is not seen in Louisiana. n These two patterns may indicate that in Louisiana, participation in these activities is based more on who one is (demographics) rather than what one thinks or knows about the environment (attitudes).

88. 88 Environmental Condition Of Louisiana

89. 89 Environmental Condition Of Louisiana n In the Louisiana RoperASW Survey, Louisiana residents were asked to examine the state of the environment in Louisiana. The topics involved in this examination include... è Whether environmental conditions in Louisiana have gotten better, worse or stayed the same in the last ten years. è Possible causes of environmental problems in Louisiana.

90. 90 Louisiana’s Natural Environment Today Compared to Ten Years Ago n Louisiana residents are almost twice as likely to say the natural environment is worse off in Louisiana (40%) than to say it is better off (23%) compared to ten years ago. About one-third feel it has stayed about the same.

91. 91 Louisiana’s Natural Environment Today Compared to Ten Years Ago (cont.) n Among subgroups in Louisiana... Gender -Women are significantly more likely than men to say Louisiana’s environment is worse off (45% versus 35%). -Men are significantly more likely than women to say it is better off (30% versus 17%). »This opinion may be linked to the result reported earlier about regulations that found that men are more likely than women to say current regulations have already gone too far, that no more laws are needed. Parish -Residents living in Southern parishes are significantly more likely than those living in the North to say Louisiana’s natural environment is worse off (44% versus 31%). -Northern residents are more likely to say it is about the same as it was ten years ago (36% versus 28%). »These opinions may be linked to the results reported in the section on regulations to protect wetlands and wild and natural areas that found that those in Southern parishes are more likely to say these regulations have not gone far enough, while those in Northern parishes are of the opinion that these regulations already strike the right balance.

92. 92 Causes of Environmental Problems in Louisiana n While Louisiana residents say there are many causes for environmental problems in the state, they are most likely to say the petrochemical industry is a major cause of problems. Two-thirds (68%) say the petrochemical industry is a major cause of problems. Half or more say vehicles (56%), garbage (56%), and too little environmental enforcement (50%) are major causes. Relatively few view urban expansion (39%) or agriculture (27%) as major causes of environmental problems in Louisiana. n When those who consider an area a major cause are combined with those who consider that area a minor cause, at least three-quarters deem each of the eight areas a cause of environmental problems in Louisiana.

93. 93 Causes of Environmental Problems in Louisiana (cont.) n The petrochemical industry, garbage, and vehicles are viewed as the chief sources of environmental problems in Louisiana. MajorMinor Major/ Minor Cause CauseCause %% Petrochemical Industry682492 Garbage563894 Vehicles563894 Too little environmental enforcement503585 Inadequate funding of environmental protection agencies493180 Behavior of individual residents484189 Urban expansion394281 Agriculture274875

94. 94 Causes of Environmental Problems in Louisiana (cont.) n Among subgroups in Louisiana... Gender -Women (62%) are significantly more likely than men (49%) to say that garbage is a major cause of problems in the state. Age -Those age 65 or over are less likely than younger residents to say that the petrochemical industry, vehicles, garbage, individuals, and urban expansion are major or minor causes of environmental problems. Parish -Southern residents are significantly more likely than Northern residents to say the petrochemical industry (72% versus 57%) and urban expansion (42% versus 32%) are major causes of environmental problems. »These results are likely a reflection of the presence of the petrochemical industry near the southern coast of the state and the presence of more large cities and urban areas in the southern part of the state.

95. 95 Causes of Environmental Problems in Louisiana (cont.) n Considering an area to be a major cause of environmental problems in Louisiana is linked to opinions of current regulations and the environment in Louisiana. è Louisiana residents who state that current environmental regulations do not go far enough are far more likely than those who say current laws go too far to name each of the eight areas as major causes of environmental problems in Louisiana. è Likewise, residents who state that environmental conditions in the state have gotten worse in the last ten years are more likely than those who say conditions have gotten better to say that garbage, vehicles, too little environmental enforcement, and inadequate funding of environmental protection agencies are major causes of environmental problems in Louisiana. Major Cause of Problems in Louisiana Environmental LawsEnvironment in LA TooNot farRightBetterWorseAbout TotalFarEnoughBalanceOffOffthe same %%%% Petrochemical Industry68557467617863 Garbage56446254516054 Vehicles56336652506056 Too little environmental enforcement50376342426048 Inadequate funding of environmental protection agencies49275946375846 Behavior of individual residents48455341485043 Urban expansion39294340364438 Agriculture27253122312824

96. 96 Conclusions

97. 97 Conclusions n There is a wide disparity between how much Louisiana residents report they know about environmental issues and problems and their actual knowledge of environmental issues based on responses to ten multiple choice questions. è Louisiana residents average just 3.0 correct answers. n However, the same patterns in reported and actual knowledge are seen nationally, indicating a problem faced by many American adults, not just those in Louisiana. è For several quiz questions, up to one-fourth of adults offer no response, perhaps indicating both a lack of knowledge and a lack of confidence in discussions of environmental issues and problems. n Clearly, there is a need for more information about critical environmental issues and problems.

98. 98 Conclusions n There are two important relationships in the data: è First, environmental knowledge (as defined by performance on the quiz) improves with educational attainment. è Second, environmental knowledge improves with self-reported environmental knowledge. n Thus, discussions of environmental issues need to occur throughout the education spectrum, not just in college, so that all Louisiana residents become more knowledgeable about and more comfortable discussing environmental issues and problems.

99. 99 Conclusions n As many adults have completed their educational life, the challenge is how to continue to educate adults about environmental issues and problems. è Of six possible sources of environmental information, the best way to reach those with no more than a high school education is mass media. è Mass media are also the best way to reach those with a college degree, though these residents are above average in their use of the other sources. n The sources of information must be considered accurate. Importantly, those who have used a source for environmental knowledge are especially likely to consider it accurate. è While it is not clear from the data whether those who use these sources turn to them because they are accurate, or whether the accuracy of the source leads these individuals to use them, residents need accurate sources of environmental information.

100. 100 Conclusions n Louisiana residents are concerned about the natural environment in their state. è Four in ten residents say the natural environment in Louisiana is worse off today than 10 years ago, nearly twice as many as say it is now better off. è Louisiana residents are more than twice as likely to prefer environmental protection to economic development should a choice between the two be necessary. è A plurality of state residents say current environmental laws and regulations do not go far enough in general, and majorities want more laws to protect the water and the air from pollution. n Thus, many residents are primed for communications which provide information and opportunities to learn about the natural environment in their state.

101. 101 Conclusions n Although the parish in which a resident lives does not impact actual environmental knowledge, there are a number of key differences between those living in northern and southern parishes. è Residents of Southern parishes are more likely to say that current laws to protect wetlands and laws to protect wild and natural areas do not go far enough, that Louisiana’s natural environment is worse off now than ten years ago, that the petrochemical industry and urban expansion are causes of many environmental problems in the state, and that they frequently recycle things. è Residents of Northern parishes are more likely to say current laws to protect wetlands and laws to protect wild and natural areas already strike the right balance, and that the state’s natural environment is about the same as it was ten years ago. n Thus, any communications about environmental issues and problems will likely be received differently and need to be tailored differently depending on region in the state.

102. 102 Appendix: Demographics Louisiana 2002 National 1999 % Gender Male4748 Female5252 Age 18-343333 35-442122 45-643130 65+1416 Education High school graduate or less5755 Some college2523 College graduate1722 Children in household Yes4137 No5963 Household income Under $50,0005355 $50,000 or more2830 Refused1915

103. 103 Appendix: Methodology n Description of the sample è A cross-section of 1,000 adults in Louisiana, 18 years of age and older, was interviewed for the Louisiana RoperASW Study. Interviews were conducted by telephone from May 2 to May 24, 2002. Results are projectable to the total adult population of the state of Louisiana. è The margin of error due to sampling is plus or minus 3.4 percentage points at the.95 confidence level, although it is larger for the results for smaller subgroups of the public. For example, the sampling error is plus or minus 5.7 percentage points for results among the 331 adults in the sample aged 18-34. è As much of the survey is based on the 1999 National Report Card on Environmental Attitudes, Knowledge, and Behavior conducted for the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation (NEETF), comparisons are made between the national results in 1999 and the Louisiana results in 2002. The national survey had a margin of error due to sampling of plus or minus two percentage points.

104. 104 Appendix: Methodology n Sampling method è The basic sample was drawn at random from the adult population of the state of Louisiana, excluding institutionalized segments of the public (such as those in Army camps, nursing homes, and prisons). Households contacted for the survey were selected at random by a procedure known as random-digit dialing, which ensures that households with unlisted telephone numbers, as well as those with listed numbers, are included in the sample. è All interviews were conducted during evening hours on weekdays and all day on the weekends to ensure that both working and non-working segments of the population would be included. n Weighting procedure è The demographic characteristics of the random sample were compared with the most recent Census Bureau estimates, and corrective weights were applied to ensure proper representation based on age, gender, and educational attainment.

105. 105 July 2002 Louisiana RoperASW Study Environmental Attitudes and Knowledge Survey 2002