Fwd: Elizabeth Jorgensen, soc mov MW 3:30-4:45 push polling

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Elizabeth Jorgensen <lizjorgensen210@mail.fresnostate.edu>
Date: Mon, May 5, 2014 at 1:40 PM
Subject: Elizabeth Jorgensen, soc mov MW 3:30-4:45 push polling
To: "tkubal2.2009.protest" <tkubal2.2009.protest@blogger.com>

Elizabeth Jorgensen

Dr. Kubal/Soc. Mov

(M,W: 3:30-4:45)

5/5/14

                                Push Polling Summary, S.A.F.E.:

After analyzing the data gathered from our group S.A.F.E.'s phone interviews, I was surprised at how split the results were. After running the overview of the data, it was interesting to note how the majority of the individuals taking the survey responded strongly either positively or negative towards fossil fuel extraction and the environmental impact it has on our planet. On that same note, many people were unaware when asked the persuasive questions about the impact that the extraction and burning of fossil fuels has on our climate. When asked if air pollution has affected their health, the result was 50/50 with a total of 22 participants responding. 

Overall, the public is overwhelmingly aware of climate change as an existing social problem, with 91% responding yes to having heard of it, while only 9% responded they hadn't. However, when asked the following question of how important this problem is, only 37% responded very significant, leaving: 32% significant, 5% neutral, 2% insignificant and 1% responding very insignificant. It's easy to see the ineffectiveness we have had as a society trying to push the ideology of conservation and renewable, cleaner energy sources. In my opinion I believe a huge contributor to the mixed results we as a group saw through our surveying was due to the many people unaffected by the health side affects associated with fossil fuel usage. 68% of the participants responded that they or someone they knew were affected by climate change, leaving only 7 participants, or 32% responding that they weren't affected. With those high of numbers, it is interesting to compare the amount of people affected to active participants in renewable, alternative energy focus. There is a much higher discrepancy than I would have expected when over 68% of the people being affected by allergies associated with climate changes aren't actively participating in alternative choices. 

Another huge issue I believe could be an area to focus on in regards to raising awareness behind climate change and the issues associated with fossil fuels is publicizing the affects much more aggressiveness to society. 73% of the participants that completed the survey were unaware that only 14% of the world's energy come from renewable sources and in my opinion this is a great factor as to why more people aren't involved. 

Overall participants were much more willing to express their opinions and beliefs about climate change as an issue rather than personal questions our group asked. There were very little responses in regards to race and issues of incomes. 94 participants skipped the question regarding race, same with gender, and 0% answered any questions revolving economic standings. 

The disconnection that occurs in society between individuals and energy accounts for our growing concerns regarding fossil fuel usage and extraction. People are removed from the issue of energy usage because of our growing dependence and convenience on this vital lifeline. If more members of society were conscious and aware of their personal energy usage, we could begin to tackle the issue of conservation and this could lead to more focus on renewable energy sources.