Trends in public opinion on acid rain: A comprehensive review of existing data

Questions concerning the value society places on the benefits and costs of control measures for acidic deposition cannot be fully achieved without considering the views held by the public-at-large. While numerous opinion polls have been conducted on acid rain, to date no systematic review of these data has been undertaken to identify underlying trends. This paper summarizes a comprehensive analysis of existing public opinion data in Canada and the U.S. from 1979 to the present, with particular attention given to identifying longitudinal trends, comparisons across jurisdictions, demographic group differences and comparisons with other issues. It is concluded that over the past five years, the North American public has become aware of acid rain as an environmental issue and, despite a limited understanding of the problem, believe it to be a serious one. Concern about acid rain has by now reached the level where most believe concrete actions must be taken, and a majority are willing to help pay for abatement programs. Canadians and residents of regions susceptible to acid rain damage have typically been more informed and concerned about acid rain, but such regional and national differences have diminished over time as the issue has become more widely recognized. These findings are discussed in terms of implications for policy and education strategies.