Are Americans Apathetic About the Environment?

A new poll reveals Americans are more upbeat about the state of the environment than in recent years. According to a Gallup survey released yesterday, 46 percent of respondents believe the environment is "excellent or good"—up from 39 percent last year, and the highest in nearly a decade.

But while this is seemingly a positive sign, and does signal more environmental optimism under Obama than Bush, its timing also raises a red flag.

Last week, another Gallup poll revealed belief in global warming has hit a new low. Could it be that people are more content with the environment because their standards have changed? If fewer are concerned about the affects of climate change, it stands to reason they'd be more satisfied with the way things are.

This perspective is reflected in the poll's other finding: That fewer people consider the environment a priority. Last year, 14 percent of respondents said they thought the environment would be the country's most important problem in the future. This year, 11 percent said so.

Yet another new Gallup poll shows concern about environmental issues is at a 20-year low. On virtually every environmental count—global warming, pollution, the loss of rain forests, toxic waste, plant and animal extinction—Americans are less worried than last year and, in most cases, than at any point in the last two decades.

Of course, polls always have to be taken with a grain of salt. But there's other evidence national ambivalence is creeping in. Yesterday, John Kerry announced his trademark climate bill has less to do with combating climate change than with turning the economy around and obtaining energy independence. "Climate sort of follows," Kerry said about his climate bill. "It's on for the ride."

Politicians always respond to the pulse of their constituents, so Kerry's words suggest an understanding of public indifference. Couple that with the findings of the surveys, and it becomes clear the public is growing increasingly apathetic about the environment. At this pivotal time — and with a climate change bill next up on Obama's legislative agenda — that sentiment is nothing to be upbeat about.