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Uncovering the attitudes of residents in California’s Capital Region

Residents have spoken: the air we breathe, the water we drink, the natural places we treasure are some of the things we value most. The vast majority of residents also believe that our changing climate is already being felt and are calling for stepped up action from public institutions, companies, and all of us. These are consistent viewpoints no matter political party, age, relative wealth, or where you live. Will we rise to meet our environmental challenges?

WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT

Residents in Sacramento care deeply about the environment and believe more should be done to protect it. Nearly 9 in 10 people think that a clean environment and preservation of open space is essential or very important.

70% of people say at least one type of pollution (in the water, the air, and/or the soil) is a major problem in their community

More than 90% of people think it is very important/essential to have clean drinking water, soil, air, and bodies of water

  • 80%

    of people feel strongly about preserving open spaces, wild spaces, and/or farmland

  • 84%

    or more prefer preserving these spaces instead of developing them as retail and office areas

The vast majority (88%) of our residents believe that humans have contributed to climate change, and 70% think the effects of climate change have already begun to happen.

OUR FUTURE

  • 79%

    think their community is at very/extremely serious risk for at least one climate change risk, including wildfires and smoke in the air, drought, hotter temperatures, and flooding

  • 91%

    report that at least one climate change risk has already been a major issue for their family

  • 63%

    are very/extremely concerned about how climate change will affect the well-being of future generations

ENVIRONMENT AND THE ECONOMY

The majority of residents think that taking greater action on the environment is smart for communities, the economy, and our future.

  • 66%

    say climate change reduction efforts will not impact jobs or will result in more jobs

  • 77%

    think environmental regulations are beneficial to CA’s quality of life

  • 50%

    think it is important to take action and to do so in a way that supports rather than damages job growth and the economy

  • 9%

    think environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy

Most people consider the environmental impacts of their daily decisions and try to do their part, but money or motivation often stand in the way.

THE ENVIRONMENT AND OURSELVES

  • 84%

    are particularly concerned about helping the environment in their daily lives

  • 95%

    report taking at least one action to protect the environment, including conserving water/energy; walking, biking, or taking public transit; or buying efficient appliances

  • 65%

    of those who act are motivated by benefits to their communities, including social, health, and environmental

  • 37%

    of those who don’t act cite cost as the reason. Not knowing how; doesn’t seem important; or too inconvenient are other reasons for inaction

WE WANT MORE TO BE DONE

Most people want to see more action from government and from individuals.

  • 85%

    think that governments should do more to protect the environment

  • 50%

    believe that our governments should do more to reduce global climate change

  • 96%

    support the expansion of solar and wind energy sourcing

  • 90%

    are interested to take at least one future action to protect the environment, including conserving energy/water, buying efficient appliances, walking/biking/using public transit, or installing solar panels

WILL WE RISE TO MEET THE CHALLENGE?

Environmental action is undertaken by agencies and organizations, but it is led by people. We know that the best community inspired solutions happen when people work together. The scale of challenges that lie ahead of us cannot be delegated to business or government alone; it takes all of us working together.

As our climate continues to change, the need for action only grows. What will you do next?

Download the report to learn more about state and regional environmental and climate change actions on a local level.

Download Report

2005 Facts and 2070 Projections

El Dorado
  • 2005

    9 Extreme Heat Days

    71.2 Average Max Daily Heat

    6,237 Acres Burned

  • 2070

    43 Extreme Heat Days

    79.3 Average Max Daily Heat

    31,462 Acres Burned

  • 2070 (%)

    377% Increase

    11.2% Increase

    404% Increase

Placer
  • 2005

    4 Extreme Heat Days

    75.4 Average Max Daily Heat

    6,520 Acres Burned

  • 2070

    43 Extreme Heat Days

    82.6 Average Max Daily Heat

    37,167 Acres Burned

  • 2070 (%)

    975% Increase

    9.5% Increase

    470% Increase

Sacramento
  • 2005

    5 Extreme Heat Days

    75.0 Average Max Daily Heat

    1,700 Acres Burned

  • 2070

    32 Extreme Heat Days

    81.4 Average Max Daily Heat

    1,859 Acres Burned

  • 2070 (%)

    540% Increase

    18.5% Increase

    9.3% Increase

Sutter
  • 2005

    7 Extreme Heat Days

    75.9 Average Max Daily Heat

    432 Acres Burned

  • 2070

    47 Extreme Heat Days

    83.1 Average Max Daily Heat

    481 Acres Burned

  • 2070 (%)

    571% Increase

    9.4% Increase

    11.3% Increase

Yolo
  • 2005

    6 Extreme Heat Days

    75.7 Average Max Daily Heat

    3,391 Acres Burned

  • 2070

    42 Extreme Heat Days

    81.5 Average Max Daily Heat

    4,560 Acres Burned

  • 2070 (%)

    600% Increase

    7.6% Increase

    34.4% Increase

Yuba
  • 2005

    7 Extreme Heat Days

    76.0 Average Max Daily Heat

    2,394 Acres Burned

  • 2070

    45 Extreme Heat Days

    83.2 Average Max Daily Heat

    17,714 Acres Burned

  • 2070 (%)

    542% Increase

    9.4% Increase

    640% Increase

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