Full Breakdown
Declining Environmental Sentiment Among U.S. Adults
4/15/2026, 3:22:50 AM
Record Low Confidence in Environmental Quality
A recent Gallup poll reveals a significant decline in positive perceptions of environmental quality among U.S. adults, with 66% stating that they believe the environment is worsening. This marks a record low in positive ratings, with only 35% of respondents rating the environment as “excellent” or “good,” the lowest since Gallup began tracking this sentiment in 2001. Megan Brenan, a senior editor at Gallup, noted that the eight-point drop observed this year is particularly striking, indicating a dramatic shift in public opinion.
Partisan Divides in Environmental Concerns
The poll highlights stark partisan differences in environmental attitudes. Democrats reported the lowest positive rating on record, with only 16% expressing a favorable view of environmental quality. In contrast, 63% of Republicans rated the environment positively. The survey indicates that Republicans prioritize economic growth over environmental protection, with 62% asserting that the economy should take precedence even if it negatively impacts the environment. Conversely, 86% of Democrats prioritize environmental protection, even at the risk of limiting energy supplies.
Independents, who typically align with the national average, showed a notable decline in positive ratings, dropping to 34% this year—a 10-point decrease from the previous year. This trend reflects a broader pattern where environmental opinions fluctuate based on the political party of the sitting president. For instance, during President Joe Biden's administration in 2024, 43% of Democrats believed environmental quality was improving, compared to only 35% of Republicans. Under President Donald Trump, these figures shifted dramatically, with 60% of Republicans and just 6% of Democrats believing the environment was improving.
Growing Concern Over Government Action
The poll also indicates a growing sentiment among Americans that the government is not doing enough to protect the environment. A record high of 63% of respondents expressed the belief that the government is falling short in its environmental responsibilities, reflecting a six-point increase from the previous year. This sentiment is particularly strong among Democrats, where 91% felt the government was inadequate in its environmental efforts last year.
Water Pollution as a Major Concern
Among various environmental issues, water pollution remains the foremost concern for Americans. The survey found that 56% of respondents worry a “great deal” about drinking water pollution, while 53% are concerned about the maintenance of fresh water supplies for household needs, and 50% express worries about pollution in rivers and lakes. Water pollution has consistently been the top environmental concern since 2001.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We certainly haven't had positive numbers rating the environment… since 2001 so it's not as though anyone in the general public was rating the environment very positively, and it's fallen dramatically,” — Megan Brenan, Senior Editor at Gallup
- “Unfortunately, most measures that we see, even the ones that you wouldn't necessarily believe would have anything to do with the president, have become very polarized politically,” — Megan Brenan, Senior Editor at Gallup
- “I think it would have to be directly linked to President Trump and his administration's policies towards the environment.” — Megan Brenan, Senior Editor at Gallup
The findings from this Gallup poll underscore a growing discontent regarding environmental quality in the United States, marked by significant partisan divides and increasing public demand for government action.
