The vast majority of Latinos are environmentally aware and, in some respects, are even more so than the general public. The 2012 National Latinos and the Environment Survey released jointly by the Sierra Club and National Council of La Raza (NCLR), show that Latinos have definite opinions on the state of climate change, the role of government in maintaining a healthy environment and the extent of personal responsibility when protecting the environment.
The results of the 2012 Latinos and the environment survey show that Latino voters across the country strongly support clean energy, are concerned about the public health effects of fossil fuel production and use, believe that global climate change is happening, and want to protect the nation’s public lands.
The report also finds, “Although the economy and jobs are top concerns for Latino voters, the public-health effects of environmental pollution continue to cause worry in the Latino community. Pollution of our air and water resources is still the top environmental concern for Latino voters nationwide, with 61 percent saying it is among the top two environmental issues for them and their families. Since 2008, concern about air and water pollution and toxic waste sites has grown by 10 percentage points.”
LatinaLista.com, in its report outlined some of the other highlights:
- More than three-fourths (77%) of Latino voters believe that global climate change is already happening, whereas half (52%) of all Americans say that the effects of global warming have already begun.
- More than 9-in-10 (92%) Latino voters agree that they “have a moral responsibility to take care of God’s creations on this earth – the wilderness and forests, the oceans, lakes and rivers.”
- More than 9-in-10 Latino voters (94%) say outdoor activities such as fishing, picnics, camping, and visiting national parks and monuments are important to them and their families.
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