Georgia Climate On Our Minds

By Maurice Carter, Sustainable Newton President

If you're reading this, climate change is probably already on your mind.  And, if your experience is like mine, chances are good you've had difficulty discussing it with some folks.   Our current climate crisis has been an unwelcome topic in some circles.

Moving past resistance to honest dialog is what tomorrow night's "24 Hours of Reality - Truth in Action"  event is all about.  But, thankfully, the tide is already turning.  I hear it in conversations, and we see it in the very positive response to our Sustainable Newton message. 

But, I was still pleasantly surprised by a report published this week by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication declaring:  "Georgia voters broadly support policies to address climate impacts and expand renewable energy in the state, and they want their elected officials to support those policies as well."

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Georgia voters broadly support policies to address climate impacts and expand renewable energy in the state, and they want their elected officials to support those policies as well.

The poll of 789 registered Georgia voters, conducted by Climate Nexus Polling, in conjunction with the Yale program and the George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication, contained great news for climate activists in our state.  Among the more important findings:

• Georgia voters overwhelmingly say climate change is affecting our state, with nearly two-thirds (65%) agreeing it is impacting Georgia farmers.
• Roughly six in 10 say climate change is causing extreme weather events in Georgia (62%) and impacting the health of states residents (58%).
• Nearly two-thirds (64%) of Georgia voters support government action to address climate change.
• Seven in 10 (70%) believe both the federal and state government should be doing more on climate change.
• In future elections, 71% are more likely to support candidates advocating to increase government funding for renewable energy, while 70% also favor candidates calling for stronger fuel efficiency standards.

On the heels of our successful Solarize Newton-Morgan campaign, Sustainable Newton is especially encouraged by the survey's finding that 64% of respondents think renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, should be the top priority for addressing Georgia’s energy needs.  Natural gas and nuclear were rated first by only 9% each.

None of those survey figures is 100% -- so we still have work to do.  But, focusing on climate change impacts and solutions specific to Georgia is the very best way to move forward in Newton County.  It's a place where open-minded skeptics and concerned, committed climate activists can find common ground and meaningful dialog.  And that local perspective will be the central theme presented Thursday night by Sustainable Newton Board Member Sara Vinson and in the conversation afterwards, facilitated by the rest of our board.

We really, REALLY hope you will join us.  On that, we 100% agree!

To download a complete summary of the survey findings, click here.