Fifty-four percent (54%) of Americans believe it is possible to drill offshore for oil without harming the environment, but nearly as many (48%) also acknowledge that there is a conflict between economic growth and environmental protection.

Twenty-eight percent (28%) believe it is not possible to drill without hurting the environment, and 18% are undecided. Men are much more likely than women to believe it to be possible.

Republicans back drilling more than Democrats – 79% to 33% -- and 55% of unaffiliated voters agree, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. All three groups admit by similar numbers that such growth conflicts with protecting the environment, though (see demographic crosstabs).

A month ago, seven out of 10 voters were in favor of offshore oil drilling, while even more were in favor of tax incentives for producing new alternative energy sources.

Thirty-one percent (31%) of voters say there is no conflict between economic growth and environmental protection, while 20% are not sure.
The percentage of adults who say there is a conflict between economic growth and environmental protection has increased from 42% in April.

A plurality of adults (44%) believe global warming is ruining our country and our world, but 35% disagree. One in five adults (20%) are not sure.

Again, there is a sharp partisan divide. While 62% of Democrats believe global warming is ruining the earth, just 23% of Republicans and 44% of unaffiliated voters concur.

Seventy-six percent (76%) of adults say they are making an effort to be more “green” in their daily lives, in the form of reducing their daily impact on energy resources. Though the majority of adults from all parties say they are making this effort, Democrats are more likely than Republicans and unaffiliated voters to do so. Women are also more likely than men to say they are making an effort to help preserve the environment in daily life.

While many adults may not have changed their lifestyles to combat the problem, most know the problem is there. Sixty-nine percent (69%) consider global warming to be a serious problem, with 43% who say it is very serious. While 73% of women say the problem is serious, 64% of men agree.

Most Democrats (69%) consider the problem very serious, while just 19% of Republicans and 35% of unaffiliated voters agree.

The number of adults who believe global warming is a serious problem has declined since April, when 73% believed it was, with 47% who saw the issue as very serious.

A survey conducted in August found that 67% of voters believe reducing energy consumptions by Americans is an urgent national need.

See survey questions and toplines. Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.