New poll data from Fairleigh Dickinson University shows three-quarters of New Jerseyans surveyed are either very concerned or somewhat concerned that extreme weather will increase the amount of property and infrastructure damage in the state in the next few years.
A wide range of respondents – the poll results were disclosed Sept. 8 – expressed concern at some level, but those most concerned differentiated from each other on the basis of partisan identity.
While 37% of respondents said they are very concerned, the results varied when associated with party identity. Over half (56%) of Democrats said they were very concerned, while only a third (32%) of independents felt that strongly and roughly one in five Republicans agreed (21%).
If the results for those very concerned are combined with those who are somewhat concerned, the numbers rise to 90% for Democrats, 76% for independents, and 63% – close to two out of three – for Republicans.
While party identity plays a role in the findings, extreme weather fears appear to be widespread, and a majority of New Jerseyans, regardless of party affiliation, say the state should be doing more to protect against significant extreme weather-related damage.
The poll showed 66% of respondents agree that the state should be doing more to protect against increasing damage risk — 78% of Democrats, 63% of independents, and a majority of Republicans (53%).
One big survey question: Would people support a $3 billion public bond to fund projects that reduce flood risks, strengthen infrastructure, protect water supplies and make communities more resilient? Some 76% expressed some level of support, while 18% opposed the idea and 6% either did not know or declined to answer. The 76% broke down into strong support at 36% and some support at 40%.
The poll was conducted in partnership with two nonprofits, Rebuild by Design and the Environmental Defense Fund. The $3 billion bond question was tied directly to a report on climate resilience investments released the same day as the poll results.
Rebuild by Design, working with AECOM, an infrastructure consulting firm based in Texas, reported that climate resilience investments deliver significant positive economic benefits. The report looked at two potential investment scenarios, for $9 billion and $3 billion, and the $3 million investment question was part of the Fairleigh Dickinson poll.
The analysis spread the investment across categories for flood reduction (40%), water infrastructure (40%) and climate resilience (20%). A major thrust of the study was to show that the climate investments would not only improve infrastructure, but also create about 25,000 jobs.
The poll results can be found here. People who want to see the full report on resilience investments can find it here.
Contact the reporter, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com.
