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• 15 April 2024
• Correction 22 April 2024

Revealed: the ten research papers that policy documents cite most

• Dalmeet Singh Chawla 0

Dalmeet Singh Chawla is a freelance science journalist based in London.

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

When David Autor co-wrote a paper on how computerization affects job skill demands more than 20 years ago, a journal took 18 months to consider it — only to reject it after review. He went on to submit it to The Quarterly Journal of Economics , which eventually published the work 1 in November 2003.

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doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-00660-1

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Correction 22 April 2024 : The original version of this story credited Sage, rather than Overton, as the source of the policy papers’ citation data. Sage’s location has also been updated.

Autor, D. H., Levy, F. & Murnane, R. J. Q. J. Econ. 118 , 1279–1333 (2003).

Article   Google Scholar  

Costanza, R. et al. Nature 387 , 253–260 (1997).

Willett, W. et al. Lancet 393 , 447–492 (2019).

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Steffen, W. et al. Science 347 , 1259855 (2015).

Rockström, J. et al. Nature 461 , 472–475 (2009).

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• Gen Z, Millennials Stand Out for Climate Change Activism, Social Media Engagement With Issue
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Table of Contents

• 1. Climate engagement and activism
• 3. Local impact of climate change, environmental problems
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• Appendix: Detailed charts and tables

A majority of Americans consider climate change a priority today so that future generations can have a sustainable planet, and this view is held across generations.

Looking to the future, the public is closely divided on what it will take to address climate change: While about half say it’s likely major lifestyle changes in the U.S. will be needed to deal with climate change impacts, almost as many say it’s more likely new developments in technology will address most of the problems cause by climate change.

On policy, majorities prioritize the use of renewable energy and back the expanded use of specific sources like wind and solar. Americans offer more support than opposition to a range of policies aimed at reducing the effects of climate change, including key climate-related aspects of President Joe Biden’s recent infrastructure proposal. Still, Americans do not back a complete break with carbon: A majority says oil and gas should still be part of the energy mix in the U.S., and about half oppose phasing out gas-powered vehicles by 2035.

Overall, 64% of U.S. adults say reducing the effects of climate change needs to be “a top priority to ensure a sustainable planet for future generations, even if that means fewer resources for addressing other important problems today.” By contrast, 34% say that reducing the effects of climate change needs to be “a lower priority, with so many other important problems facing Americans today, even if that means more climate problems for future generations.”

There are stark partisan differences over this sentiment. Nearly nine-in-ten Democrats (87%) say efforts to reduce the effects of climate change need to be prioritized today to ensure a sustainable planet. By contrast, 61% of Republicans say that efforts to reduce the effects of climate change need to be a lower priority, with so many other important problems facing Americans today. (Democrats and Republicans include those who lean to each party.)

Asked to look to the future 50 years from now, 51% of Americans say it’s more likely that major changes to everyday life in the U.S. will be needed to address the problems caused by global climate change. By contrast, 46% say it’s more likely that new technology will be able to address most of the problems caused by global climate change.

Most Democrats (69%) expect that in 50 years major lifestyle changes in the U.S. will be needed to address the problems caused by climate change. By contrast, among Republicans, two-thirds (66%) say it’s likelier that new technology will be able to address most climate change problems in the U.S. Among Republicans, this view is widely held (81%) among the majority who do not see climate change as an important personal concern; Republicans who express greater personal concern about climate change are more likely to say major changes to everyday life in the future will be needed to address problems caused by climate change.

Overall, majorities across generations believe that climate change should be a top priority today to ensure a sustainable planet for future generations. Generational divisions are more prominent among Republicans than Democrats, however.

Among Republicans, about half of Gen Zers (49%) and Millennials (48%) give top priority to reducing the effect of climate change today, even if that means fewer resources to deal with other important problems. By contrast, majorities of Gen X (61%) and Baby Boomer and older Republicans (71%) say reducing the effects of climate change needs to a lower priority today, given the other problems Americans are facing.

Generational differences among Democrats on this question are modest, with clear majorities giving priority to dealing with climate change today.

Majority of Americans prioritize developing alternative energy sources, but only a third would phase out all fossil fuels

Burning fossil fuels for electricity and in cars and trucks are among the primary sources of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Americans broadly favor increasing the use of renewable energy sources, but a majority reject the idea of phasing out fossil fuel energy sources completely. And Americans are about evenly divided on the idea of phasing out the production of new gasoline cars and trucks by 2035.

There are familiar partisan divisions over nearly every aspect of energy policy, particularly when it comes to fossil fuels. Political divides have widened over the past year as Republican support for alternative energy sources – including wind and solar power – has fallen while support for expanding offshore oil drilling, hydraulic fracturing and coal mining has ticked up.

Within both parties, Gen Zers and Millennials are more supportive of proposals to move away from fossil fuels than their older counterparts.

A majority of Americans (71%) continue to say that the U.S. should prioritize developing alternative energy, while a much smaller share (27%) prioritizes expanding the production of oil, coal and natural gas.

The share of Republicans who prioritize developing alternative energy sources over expanding the production of fossil fuels has fallen 18 percentage points in the past year. As a result, Republicans are now closely divided between these two energy priorities. Democrats remain near consensus levels in their support for prioritizing development of alternative energy levels.

Among Republicans, there are significant generational differences in support for increasing the development of renewable energy sources. Majorities of Gen Z (63%) and Millennial (62%) Republicans prioritize increased development of renewable sources, such as wind and solar. Smaller shares of Gen X Republicans (50%) and just 33% of Baby Boomer and older Republicans prioritize this approach over the expanding of fossil fuel development. For more details, including longer-term trends over time, see the Appendix .

Republicans and Democrats also differ over the best way to encourage reliance on renewable energy sources. Most Democrats (81%) continue to see a need for government regulations to increase reliance on renewable energy. On the other hand, two-thirds of Republicans (67%) say the private marketplace alone will be enough. See the Appendix for details.

In keeping with support for prioritizing the development of renewable energy, most Americans favor expanding solar panel farms (84%) and wind turbine farms (77%). By contrast, majorities oppose more coal mining (61%), more hydraulic fracturing (56%) and more offshore oil and gas drilling (55%).

Americans are divided over expanding nuclear power: 50% favor more nuclear power plants, while 47% are opposed.

Republican support for expanding solar power is down 11 points in the last year (from 84% to 73%), and support for wind power has fallen 13 points (from 75% to 62%). Democrats’ widely held support for increasing both energy sources remains largely unchanged.

In addition, there has been an increase since 2020 in the shares of Republicans who support expanding hydraulic fracturing of natural gas (up 10 points), offshore oil and gas drilling (up 6 points) and coal mining (up 6 points). See the Appendix for details.

Even so, younger Republicans remain less likely than their older counterparts to support expanding fossil fuel sources, consistent with past Center surveys.

For instance, 79% of Baby Boomer and older Republicans support more offshore oil and gas drilling, while roughly half (48%) of Gen Z Republicans say the same (a difference of 31 points). There are similar divides over hydraulic fracturing, the primary extraction technique for natural gas (74% of Baby Boomer and older Republicans favor vs. 44% of Gen Z Republicans).

Nearly two-thirds of Americans support using a mix of fossil fuel and renewable energy sources, younger adults more inclined to phase out fossil fuels completely

While a large share of U.S. adults would prioritize alternative energy development over expanding the use of fossil fuels, most adults are not inclined to give up reliance on fossil fuels altogether.

The survey finds 64% of Americans say they support ongoing use of oil, coal and natural gas as well as renewable energy sources, while a third (33%) say the country should phase out the use of fossil fuels completely.

There are sharp differences of opinion about this issue by party. Most Republicans (86%) say that the U.S. should rely on a mix of fossil fuel and renewable energy sources. Democrats are about evenly divided, with 47% in favor of using a mix of sources and 50% calling for a phase out of fossil fuels. About two-thirds of liberal Democrats (65%) support phasing out fossil fuels but fewer moderate and conservative Democrats say the same (39%).

There are also generational divisions on this issue, with younger generations more likely to support giving up fossil fuel use over time. In fact, majorities of Democratic Gen Zers (60%) and Millennials (57%) support phasing out fossil fuel use completely.

Americans are closely divided over phasing out gas-powered vehicles; Democrats, younger adults are more receptive to the idea

Climate advocates point to electric vehicles as a way to cut down on carbon emissions and reduce climate change. Americans are about equally divided on the idea of phasing out production of gasoline cars and trucks by 2035. A little under half (47%) say they would favor such a proposal, while 51% are opposed.

As with other proposals on climate and energy issues, partisans express opposing viewpoints. About two-thirds of Democrats (68%) support phasing out gasoline cars by 2035, while 76% of Republicans oppose this.

Most U.S. adults oppose oil drilling in ANWR but are more divided over Keystone XL decision

The issue of whether or not to allow oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge has long been a controversy in energy policy. Overall, most Americans (70%) oppose the idea, while 27% are in favor.

Nearly all Democrats (89%) say they oppose allowing oil and gas drilling in the ANWR. Republicans are about evenly divided, with half in favor of allowing this and 48% opposed.

One of Biden’s  first actions as president  was revoking the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline. The pipeline would have carried oil from Canada into the U.S.

About half of Americans (49%) say canceling the pipeline was the right decision, while 45% say it was the wrong decision.

Most Democrats (78%) say it was the right decision, while most Republicans (80%) say otherwise. See details in the  Appendix .

But there are also generational dynamics in views about gasoline-powered vehicles, with younger adults more supportive than older adults of phasing out gas cars and trucks. Narrow majorities of Gen Zers (56%) and Millennials (57%) support such a proposal, compared with 38% of Baby Boomer and older Americans. This pattern holds within both parties, though sizable partisan divides remain across all generations. See the Appendix for a look at how these generational and partisan divides compare across measures.

The public is broadly familiar with electric vehicles: About nine-in-ten have heard either a lot (30%) or a little (62%) about them. When it comes to first-hand experience, 7% of adults say they currently have an electric or hybrid vehicle; 93% say they do not.

People who say they have heard a lot about electric vehicles are closely divided over the idea of phasing out gas-powered cars and trucks by a margin of 52% in favor to 48% opposed. Not surprisingly, those who currently own an electric or hybrid vehicle are largely in favor of this idea (68% vs. 31% opposed).

Broad public support for a number of policies to address climate change, including some proposed in Biden infrastructure plan

In late March, the Biden administration announced a $2 trillion infrastructure plan with several elements they argue would help reduce the effects of climate change. The new Center survey finds majorities of Americans support a number of proposals to address global climate change, including three specific elements in Biden’s infrastructure plan.

There are sharp partisan divisions over many of these proposals, as expected. In addition, there are concerns, particularly among Democrats, that Biden’s policy proposals will not go far enough in efforts to reduce the effects of climate change.

Majorities of U.S. adults support a range of approaches to address climate change

The new Center survey finds majorities back three specific elements of Biden’s infrastructure plan. More than seven-in-ten Americans (74%) favor a proposed requirement for power companies to use more energy from renewable sources, such as solar and wind, to reduce carbon emissions. A smaller majority – 62% – favors federal spending to build a network of electric vehicle charging stations across the country in order to increase the use of electric cars and trucks.

And 63% of Americans support the idea of raising corporate taxes to pay for more energy efficient buildings and improved roads and bridges, a key funding mechanism in Biden’s infrastructure proposal.

Biden has closely tied his climate-focused infrastructure proposals with economic and job growth. Half of U.S. adults think that the Biden administration’s plan to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure in ways that are aimed at reducing the effects of climate change will help the economy. Three-in-ten think this will hurt the economy, and 18% say it will make no difference.

Americans continue to broadly support a number of longer-standing proposals to reduce the effects of climate change. Nine-in-ten Americans favor planting additional trees to absorb carbon dioxide emissions. About eight-in-ten (81%) favor providing a tax credit for businesses that develop technology that can capture and store carbon emissions before they enter the atmosphere. Both of these ideas were part of a set of policies supported by congressional Republicans last year .

Large majorities of Americans also favor tougher restrictions on power plant carbon emissions (76%), taxing corporations based on the amount of carbon emissions they produce (70%) and tougher fuel-efficiency standards for automobiles and trucks (70%).

54% of Democrats think Biden administration’s climate policies will not go far enough

Three months into the Biden administration, there is no clear consensus over the administration’s approach on climate change. About four-in-ten Americans (41%) think the Biden administration’s policies to reduce the effects of climate change will not go far enough. Roughly three-in-ten (29%) think the Biden administration will go too far, and a similar share (28%) say the administration’s approach will be about right.

Republicans and Democrats have far different expectations for the Biden’s administration policies on climate change. A narrow majority of Democrats and those who lean to the Democratic Party (54%) –including 63% of liberal Democrats – think the administration’s policies will not go far enough to reduce the effects of climate change.

In contrast, six-in-ten Republicans and Republican-leaning independents say the Biden administration’s policies will go too far, including 74% of conservative Republicans.

There are some generational differences in views on this this issue among Republicans, in line with differences over the importance of addressing climate change. About as many Gen Z Republicans say Biden’s climate policies will not go far enough (35%) as say the policies will go too far (38%). By comparison, a 72% majority of Republicans in the Baby Boomer or older generations think the Biden administration will go too far on climate change.

When it comes to views about proposals aimed at reducing climate change, however, there are few differences of opinion across generations among either party. Yet large differences remain between Republicans and Democrats overall.

Democrats’ views about five proposals aimed at reducing the effects of climate change are uniformly positive. Roughly 85% to 95% of Democrats support each.

Republicans and Republican leaners are most supportive of proposals to absorb carbon emissions by planting large numbers of trees (88%), followed by a proposal to provide a corporate tax credit for carbon-capture technology (73%). A majority of the GOP (58%) favor tougher restrictions on carbon emissions from power plants. About half of Republicans favor taxing corporate carbon emissions (50%) or tougher fuel-efficiency standards for cars and trucks (49%).

There are no divisions within the GOP by generation across these issues, though ideological divides are often sharp. For example, 65% of moderate and liberal Republicans favor tougher fuel-efficiency standards for cars and trucks, compared with 40% of conservative Republicans.

Republicans and Democrats are also deeply divided over climate-focused proposals in the Biden administration’s infrastructure plan.

Large majorities of Democrats favor requiring power companies to use more energy from renewable sources (92%), raising corporate taxes to pay for energy efficient buildings and improved roads (84%) and building a network of electric vehicle charging stations across the country (82%).

About half of Republicans (52%) support requiring power companies to use more energy from renewable sources. There is less support for federal spending to build a nationwide network of electric vehicle charging stations (38%). An equal share of Republicans (38%) support the idea of raising taxes on corporations to pay for more energy efficient buildings and better roads, although more moderates and liberals in the GOP (59%) than conservatives (27%) support this idea.

There is comparatively more support for these proposals among younger Republicans, particularly for federal spending to build electric vehicle charging stations and requirements for power plants to use more renewable sources.

Republicans and Democrats at odds over economic impact of Biden’s infrastructure plan

Democrats are largely optimistic that the Biden administration’s plan to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure in ways aimed at reducing the effects of climate change will help the economy. About eight-in-ten Democrats (78%) say this.

Among Republicans, a majority (59%) thinks this proposed plan will hurt the economy, while only about two-in-ten (18%) say it will help. Conservative Republicans (71%) are especially inclined to say the climate-focused infrastructure proposal will hurt the economy.

Generational differences are largely modest but occur in both parties. Baby Boomer Republicans are the most pessimistic about the plan’s economic impact, while Boomer Democrats are the most optimistic that the plan will help the economy.

What are important considerations to Americans in climate proposals?

When it comes to proposals to reduce the effects of global climate change, protecting the environment for future generations and increasing jobs and economic growth are the top considerations Americans would like to see in policy proposals.

Asked to think about what is important to them in proposals to reduce the effects of climate change, 64% of the public says protecting the quality of the environment for future generations is a very important consideration to them personally; 28% say it’s somewhat important to them and just 6% say it’s not too or not at all important to them.

A majority (60%) also says that increasing job and economic growth is a very important consideration to them personally when it comes to proposals to reduce the effects of climate change.

About half (52%) say keeping consumer costs low is a very important consideration to them personally in climate proposals. Making sure proposals help lower-income communities is seen as a very important consideration by 45% of the public.

About a third (34%) say getting to net-zero carbon emissions as quickly as possible is a very important consideration to them personally. Joe Biden has set a goal for the U.S. to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Limiting the burden of regulations on businesses is seen as a very important climate policy consideration by 24% of the public – the lowest share who say this across the six items asked in the survey. However, majorities view all six factors, including limiting the regulatory burden on businesses, as at least somewhat important considerations in climate proposals.

Partisans have differing priorities when it comes to climate change proposals. Among Republicans, increasing job and economic growth (65% very important) and keeping consumer costs low (61%) are their top considerations. Among Democrats, protecting the quality of the environment for future generations is their clear top consideration (79% very important), followed by making sure proposals help lower-income communities (59%) and increasing job and economic growth (58%). About half of Democrats (51%) say getting to net-zero carbon emissions as quickly as possible is very important to them.

Public sees actions from businesses, ordinary Americans as insufficient on climate change

Americans see a range of actors as falling short in efforts to help reduce the effects of global climate change. The public is broadly critical of the lack of action from large businesses and the energy industry – but also views elected officials, as well as ordinary Americans, as failing to do their part.

Nearly seven-in-ten adults (69%) say large businesses and corporations are doing too little to help reduce the effects of global climate change, while just 21% say they are doing about the right amount and very few (8%) say they are doing too much to address climate change. Similarly, a majority of the public (62%) says the energy industry is doing too little to help reduce the effects of global climate change.

The public also extends criticism on climate inaction to Americans themselves and the officials they vote into elected office. Overall, 66% say ordinary Americans are doing too little to help reduce the effects of climate change, and 60% say this about their state’s elected officials. A separate question that asks about the actions of the federal government across a range of environmental areas finds that 59% say the federal government is doing too little on climate change.

Americans are less critical of their own individual actions in helping to address climate change: Roughly half (48%) believe they, themselves, are doing about the right amount to help reduce the effects of climate change. Still, almost as many (47%) say they are doing too little to help.

When it comes to the role of environmental advocacy organizations, 48% say they are doing about the right amount to help reduce the effects of climate change, compared with 29% who say they are doing too little and 22% who say they are doing too much.

There are stark partisan differences in views of the role groups and individuals are playing to help reduce the effects of climate change. Large majorities of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents say large businesses (85%), ordinary Americans (82%), the energy industry (80%) and their state elected officials (79%) are doing too little to help reduce climate change impacts. By contrast, about half of Republicans and Republican leaners or fewer say these actors are doing too little to address climate change. Republicans are much more likely to say most of these groups are doing about the right amount than to say they are doing too much to address climate change.

Generational differences in views are most pronounced on this question within the GOP. In general, Gen Z and Millennial Republicans are more likely than older Republicans to say groups and individuals are doing too little to help reduce the effects of climate change. For instance, 57% of Gen Z and 59% of Millennial Republicans say large businesses are doing too little to help address climate change, compared with 50% of Gen X Republicans and 43% of Baby Boomer and older Republicans.

A 54% majority of U.S. adults see climate scientists’ role on policy as too limited, though some have doubts about scientists’ understanding

As the Biden administration, Congress and state and local governments debate how best to address climate change, 54% of Americans think climate scientists have too little influence on policy debates about climate change. Smaller shares say climate scientists have about the right amount (22%) or too much (22%) influence on climate policy.

At the same time, Americans appear to have reservations about climate scientists’ expertise and understanding. Only about two-in-ten Americans (18%) say climate scientists understand “very well” the best ways to address climate change. Another 42% say climate scientists understand ways to address climate change “fairly well”; 38% say they understand this not too or not at all well.

Public views of climate scientists’ understanding are more positive, if still generally skeptical, on the fundamentals of whether climate change is occurring (37% say scientists understand this very well) and what causes climate change (28%).

Americans’ overall views about climate scientists’ expertise and understanding of what is happening to the Earth’s climate are similar to 2016, the last time Pew Research Center asked these questions.

In keeping with the wide political divisions over climate policy issues, Democrats are far more likely than Republicans to rate climate scientists’ understanding highly. And these partisan divides have widened since 2016. For example, Democrats are 43 percentage points more likely than Republicans to say climate scientists understand very well whether or not climate change is occurring. This gap was 25 points in 2016. See the Appendix for details.

Similarly, far larger shares of Democrats than Republicans believe climate scientists have too little say in climate debates (77% vs. 27%).

Younger generations are especially likely to think climate scientists have too little say on climate policy debates. However, these generational dynamics occur only within the GOP.

Millennial (38%) and Gen Z (41%) Republicans are more likely than Baby Boomers and older generations of Republicans (18%) to think climate scientists have too little influence on related policy debates. About half of older Republicans (53%) say climate scientists have too much influence in these debates.

Roughly three-quarters to eight-in-ten Democrats across younger and older generations think climate scientists have too little say in climate policy debates.

Majority of Americans continue to say federal government is doing too little to protect key aspects of the environment

When it comes to environmental protection, a majority of Americans continue to see a role for stricter environmental regulations and majorities view the federal government as doing too little across most areas of environmental concern asked about in the survey, such as protecting air quality.

Gen Z and Millennials offer the broadest support for environmental regulations and for more government action to protect specific aspects of the environment.

Partisan gaps over government action to protect the environment remain very large and differences over the value of stricter environmental regulations have widened since last asked in September 2019 during the administration of Donald Trump.

There are generational and partisan differences over value of environmental regulations

Overall, 56% of Americans say that stricter environmental laws are worth the cost, compared with a smaller share (41%) who say they cost too many jobs and hurt the economy.

On balance Gen Z and Millennials are both much more likely to  stricter environmental laws as worth the cost than to say they cost too many jobs and hurt the economy (by 59% to 33% and 63% to 35%, respectively). Gen X and Boomer and older adults also see stricter environmental laws as worth the cost, though by narrower margins.

A large majority of Democrats (81%) believe that stricter environmental laws are worth the cost. By contrast, 71% of Republicans say they cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. Republicans have become much more likely to take a critical view of stricter environmental regulations since September 2019, when 55% said they hurt the economy and cost too many jobs. (For more details on this change over time, see the Appendix ).

Generational differences in views occur primarily within the GOP and not among Democrats. Among Republicans, Gen Z (35%) and Millennials (34%) are more likely than Baby Boomer and older adults (20%) to say stricter environmental laws are worth the cost, though larger shares across cohorts say these regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. Roughly eight-in-ten Democrats across generations say that stricter environmental laws are worth the cost.

Far more Americans say government is doing too little, rather than too much, on key areas of environmental protection

Consistent with Center surveys over the past few years, majorities of U.S. adults support more government action to address a range of environmental concerns, including air and water quality as well as climate change.

Overall, 63% say the federal government is doing too little to protect the water quality of lakes, rivers and streams. Majorities also say the government is doing too little to reduce the effects of climate change (59%), protect air quality (59%) and protect animals and their habitats (57%). About half (51%) say the federal government is doing too little to protect open lands in national parks and nature preserves. Across all five items, small shares of the public believe the government is doing too much to address any one of these environmental issues.

There are wide differences in views on these issues by political party, with Democrats much more likely than Republicans to think that government efforts in these areas are insufficient.

While still the predominant viewpoint, the shares of Democrats who say the government is doing too little across these five areas are 6 to 10 percentage points lower than they were in May of 2020, before Joe Biden took office. Republicans’ views on these questions have been largely steady, although the share of Republicans who believe the federal government is doing too little to address climate change is down 5 percentage points, from 35% in May 2020 to 30% today.

Partisan groups remain far apart when it comes to assessment of government action on climate change: 83% of Democrats and Democratic leaners think the government’s efforts are insufficient, vs. 30% of Republicans and GOP leaners, a difference of 53 percentage points. Conservative Republicans stand out on this from their fellow partisans with a moderate or liberal ideology: 19% say the federal government is doing too little to address climate change compared with 49% of moderate or liberal Republicans.

Gen Zers and Millennials are more likely than older Americans to say the government is doing too little to address specific areas of environmental concern, though these divides are driven primarily by differences by generation within the GOP.

About two-thirds of Gen Zers (66%) and Millennials (65%) say the federal government is doing too little to protect air quality, compared with 58% of Gen X and 52% of Baby Boomer and older adults.

Similarly, 68% of Gen Zers and 66% of Millennials say the federal government is doing too little to reduce the effects of climate change versus 57% of Gen X and 52% of Baby Boomer and older adults.

Among Republicans, Gen Zers and Millennials are more likely than Baby Boomer and older adults to say the federal government is doing too little to address all five of these areas of environmental concern. Majorities of Democrats across generations say the government is doing too little to address these environmental issues.

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Environmental Policy Research Paper Topics

This page is designed to provide students with a comprehensive list of environmental policy research paper topics , expert advice on how to select the most suitable topic, and guidelines on how to write an impactful research paper on environmental policy. Additionally, the page introduces iResearchNet’s professional writing services, which can assist students in crafting custom research papers on any environmental policy topic. The services offered by iResearchNet are characterized by their high quality, in-depth research, custom formatting, and timely delivery, among other features.

100 Environmental Policy Research Paper Topics

The field of environmental policy is vast and diverse, offering a multitude of topics for research. This section provides a comprehensive list of environmental policy research paper topics, divided into ten categories with ten topics in each. These topics span a wide range of issues, from policy analysis and international environmental policy to the role of environmental policy in various sectors.

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Policy Analysis

• The effectiveness of the Clean Air Act in urban areas.
• The impact of the Endangered Species Act on biodiversity conservation.
• The role of the Environmental Protection Agency in enforcing environmental laws.
• The influence of the Kyoto Protocol on global greenhouse gas emissions.
• The effectiveness of the Paris Agreement in mitigating climate change.
• The role of policy in promoting renewable energy adoption.
• The impact of environmental policy on industrial pollution.
• The role of policy in managing water resources.
• The effectiveness of policy in controlling deforestation.
• The impact of environmental policy on sustainable agriculture.

 International Environmental Policy

• The role of the United Nations in shaping global environmental policy.
• The impact of international treaties on national environmental policies.
• The role of international law in protecting the global commons.
• The effectiveness of international cooperation in addressing climate change.
• The role of trade agreements in promoting environmental sustainability.
• The impact of international policy on biodiversity conservation.
• The role of the World Bank in promoting sustainable development.
• The influence of international policy on national renewable energy adoption.
• The effectiveness of international policy in controlling marine pollution.
• The impact of international policy on global deforestation.

Environmental Policy and Economics

• The role of environmental policy in shaping economic development.
• The impact of environmental regulations on business operations.
• The influence of economic incentives on environmental protection.
• The effectiveness of market-based environmental policies.
• The role of environmental policy in promoting green jobs.
• The impact of environmental taxes on pollution levels.
• The role of economic analysis in environmental policy-making.
• The influence of environmental policy on consumer behavior.
• The effectiveness of economic instruments in promoting renewable energy.
• The impact of environmental policy on economic inequality.

Environmental Policy and Politics

• The role of political institutions in shaping environmental policy.
• The impact of political ideology on environmental policy-making.
• The influence of public opinion on environmental policy.
• The effectiveness of political activism in promoting environmental protection.
• The role of political parties in shaping environmental policy.
• The impact of lobbying on environmental policy-making.
• The role of political leadership in promoting environmental sustainability.
• The influence of electoral politics on environmental policy.
• The effectiveness of political campaigns in promoting environmental awareness.
• The impact of political conflict on environmental policy implementation.

Environmental Policy and Law

• The role of legal institutions in shaping environmental policy.
• The impact of environmental laws on pollution levels.
• The influence of legal precedents on environmental policy-making.
• The effectiveness of environmental litigation in promoting environmental protection.
• The role of legal sanctions in enforcing environmental laws.
• The impact of legal rights on environmental policy-making.
• The role of the judiciary in interpreting environmental laws.
• The influence of constitutional law on environmental policy.
• The effectiveness of legal instruments in promoting environmental justice.
• The impact of legal reforms on environmental policy implementation.

Environmental Policy and Society

• The role of social movements in shaping environmental policy.
• The impact of societal values on environmental policy-making.
• The influence of social norms on environmental behavior.
• The effectiveness of social marketing in promoting environmental protection.
• The role of societal institutions in enforcing environmental norms.
• The impact of social inequality on environmental policy outcomes.
• The role of social science research in informing environmental policy.
• The influence of societal change on environmental policy evolution.
• The effectiveness of social policies in promoting environmental justice.
• The impact of social media on environmental policy debates.

Environmental Policy and Technology

• The role of technological innovation in shaping environmental policy.
• The impact of environmental policy on technological development.
• The influence of technology diffusion on environmental outcomes.
• The effectiveness of technology policy in promoting environmental sustainability.
• The role of technology assessment in environmental policy-making.
• The impact of information technology on environmental awareness.
• The role of technology transfer in international environmental policy.
• The influence of emerging technologies on environmental policy challenges.
• The effectiveness of technology standards in reducing environmental impacts.
• The impact of technology-driven changes on environmental policy needs.

Environmental Policy and Education

• The role of environmental education in shaping environmental policy.
• The impact of environmental policy on education systems.
• The influence of educational attainment on environmental attitudes.
• The effectiveness of education policy in promoting environmental literacy.
• The role of schools in fostering environmental citizenship.
• The impact of environmental curriculum on student outcomes.
• The role of higher education in advancing environmental research.
• The influence of educational resources on environmental awareness.
• The effectiveness of environmental education programs in changing behavior.
• The impact of education reform on environmental learning opportunities.

Environmental Policy and Health

• The role of health considerations in shaping environmental policy.
• The impact of environmental policy on public health outcomes.
• The influence of health research on environmental risk assessment.
• The effectiveness of health policy in addressing environmental health risks.
• The role of health impact assessments in environmental policy-making.
• The impact of environmental exposures on health disparities.
• The role of health agencies in enforcing environmental regulations.
• The influence of health advocacy on environmental policy debates.
• The effectiveness of health-based standards in controlling environmental hazards.
• The impact of health care practices on environmental sustainability.

Environmental Policy and the Future

• The role of future scenarios in shaping environmental policy.
• The impact of environmental policy on future generations.
• The influence of future-oriented thinking on environmental decision-making.
• The effectiveness of policy measures in addressing future environmental risks.
• The role of foresight methods in environmental policy planning.
• The impact of future technological changes on environmental policy needs.
• The role of future studies in informing environmental policy debates.
• The influence of future uncertainties on environmental policy strategies.
• The effectiveness of future-proofing measures in environmental policy design.
• The impact of future climate changes on environmental policy responses.

In conclusion, the field of environmental policy offers a wealth of research topics that can cater to various interests and academic requirements. Whether you’re interested in policy analysis, international environmental policy, environmental economics, or any other aspect of environmental policy, there’s a topic for you. Remember, the key to a successful research paper is choosing a topic that not only interests you but also aligns with your academic and career goals.

Environmental Policy Research Guide

In today’s world, environmental issues have become a pressing concern, requiring urgent attention and action. As our planet faces complex challenges such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, and resource depletion, it has become crucial to understand the role of environmental policy in addressing these issues. Environmental policy plays a pivotal role in shaping regulations, laws, and initiatives aimed at preserving and protecting our natural environment.

This page serves as a valuable resource for students studying environmental science and engaging in research paper writing. Here, we delve into the realm of environmental policy research and provide a comprehensive guide to help students explore this fascinating field. By delving into the various aspects of environmental policy research, students can gain a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between policy decisions and environmental outcomes.

The primary objective of this page is to equip students with the necessary knowledge and tools to embark on their own environmental policy research journey. By delving into diverse environmental policy research paper topics and providing expert advice on topic selection, we aim to inspire students to explore the multifaceted world of environmental policy and contribute meaningfully to the field.

As students, you have the power to influence the future of environmental policy through your research and insights. By examining the intersection of environmental science and policy, you can contribute to the development of effective strategies and solutions that promote sustainability, conservation, and equitable environmental outcomes.

Throughout this page, we will explore a comprehensive list of environmental policy research paper topics, spanning various categories and addressing critical issues in environmental governance. Additionally, we will provide expert advice on how to choose suitable research topics within the realm of environmental policy. Furthermore, we will guide you through the process of writing an impactful environmental policy research paper, offering essential tips to enhance your writing and research skills.

Moreover, we understand the challenges that students face when it comes to meeting academic deadlines and the need for high-quality, well-researched papers. To address these needs, we introduce our writing services, where you can order a custom environmental policy research paper on any topic of your choice. Our team of expert degree-holding writers is dedicated to providing you with top-quality, customized solutions tailored to your specific requirements. With our in-depth research, adherence to custom formatting styles, and flexible pricing options, we strive to make your experience seamless and successful.

By combining your passion for environmental science with our expertise in research and writing, together, we can make a meaningful impact in the field of environmental policy. So, whether you are just beginning your research journey or seeking assistance with your environmental policy research paper, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Choosing an Environmental Policy Topic

Choosing the right research topic is a critical step in the process of writing an impactful environmental policy research paper. With a plethora of issues and areas to explore within the realm of environmental policy, it can be challenging to narrow down your focus and select a topic that is both relevant and engaging. To assist you in this endeavor, we have compiled expert advice and 10 essential tips to guide you in choosing environmental policy research paper topics that are meaningful, well-defined, and aligned with your interests and academic goals.

• Identify your passion and interests : Start by reflecting on your personal interests within the field of environmental policy. What aspects of environmental governance intrigue you the most? By choosing a topic that resonates with your passion, you will be more motivated and engaged throughout the research and writing process.
• Stay updated with current issues : Environmental policy is a rapidly evolving field, with new challenges and developments emerging constantly. Stay informed about current environmental issues, policy debates, and emerging trends to identify timely and relevant environmental policy research paper topics that contribute to ongoing discussions and address pressing concerns.
• Consider the scope and depth of the topic : Assess the scope and depth of the topic you wish to explore. Is it broad enough to provide a comprehensive analysis, or does it require further refinement to ensure a focused and manageable research paper? Strike a balance between a topic that is sufficiently narrow to allow in-depth analysis and one that is broad enough to provide substantial content.
• Conduct a preliminary literature review : Before finalizing your research topic, conduct a preliminary literature review to familiarize yourself with existing scholarship and research gaps in the field of environmental policy. This will help you identify areas that have been extensively studied and areas that require further exploration, providing valuable insights for topic selection.
• Consider the policy context : Environmental policy is shaped by various social, political, economic, and cultural factors. When selecting a research topic, consider the policy context within which it operates. Analyze the stakeholders, policy frameworks, and implementation challenges associated with your chosen topic to ensure its relevance and significance.
• Engage in interdisciplinary perspectives : Environmental policy research often requires an interdisciplinary approach. Consider incorporating perspectives from other disciplines such as economics, sociology, law, or public health to enrich your analysis and provide a holistic understanding of the environmental policy issue you are investigating.
• Seek inspiration from real-world case studies : Real-world case studies provide valuable insights and practical implications for environmental policy research. Look for successful or failed policy interventions, case studies of environmental conflicts, or instances where policy measures have made a substantial impact. These examples can serve as a source of inspiration and provide a solid foundation for your research.
• Evaluate the feasibility of data collection : Before finalizing your research topic, consider the availability of data and the feasibility of data collection. Determine if the necessary data sources, such as government reports, surveys, or existing datasets, are accessible for your chosen topic. Adequate data availability is essential for conducting rigorous and evidence-based research.
• Consider the social and environmental justice dimensions : Environmental policy intersects with social and environmental justice issues. Explore environmental policy research paper topics that address issues of equity, inclusivity, and the distribution of environmental benefits and burdens. Consider how your research can contribute to advancing social and environmental justice within the realm of environmental policy.
• Seek guidance from mentors and experts : Engage in discussions with your mentors, professors, and experts in the field of environmental policy. Seek their guidance and input during the topic selection process. They can provide valuable insights, suggest relevant literature, and help you refine your research topic to ensure its academic rigor and contribution to the field.

By following these expert tips, you will be able to choose an environmental policy research paper topic that aligns with your interests, contributes to the existing body of knowledge, and addresses critical environmental challenges. Remember, the topic you choose is the foundation of your research, and investing time and effort in selecting the right one will set the stage for a successful and impactful research paper.

How to Write an Environmental Policy Research Paper

Writing an environmental policy research paper requires careful planning, critical analysis, and effective communication of ideas. To assist you in navigating the process and producing a high-quality research paper, we have compiled ten essential tips that will guide you from the initial stages of research to the final writing and presentation of your findings. Follow these steps to ensure that your environmental policy research paper is well-structured, thoroughly researched, and effectively communicated.

• Define your research question : Start by clearly defining your research question or objective. This will serve as the guiding principle throughout your research and help maintain focus and clarity in your paper. Ensure that your research question is specific, relevant, and aligned with the broader objectives of environmental policy research.
• Conduct a comprehensive literature review : Before diving into your own research, conduct a thorough literature review to familiarize yourself with existing scholarship on the topic. Identify key theories, concepts, and empirical studies that have shaped the understanding of environmental policy in your chosen area. This will help you situate your research within the existing body of knowledge and identify research gaps.
• Develop a coherent research methodology : Based on your research question, identify and employ appropriate research methods and data collection techniques. Consider whether your research requires qualitative or quantitative approaches, primary or secondary data, surveys, interviews, or case studies. Justify your chosen methodology and ensure that it aligns with the research question and objectives.
• Collect and analyze data : Collect data in accordance with your research methodology and analyze it using appropriate analytical tools and techniques. Ensure that you maintain a systematic approach to data collection, organization, and analysis to ensure the reliability and validity of your findings. Use data visualization techniques to present your results effectively.
• Use theoretical frameworks and conceptual models : Incorporate relevant theoretical frameworks and conceptual models into your research paper to provide a theoretical foundation for your analysis. These frameworks will help you analyze and interpret your findings in the context of existing theories and concepts in environmental policy.
• Consider policy implications : Environmental policy research aims to inform policy-making and contribute to the development of effective environmental policies. Analyze the policy implications of your findings and provide recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders. Consider the feasibility and practicality of your recommendations within the political and institutional context.
• Structure your paper effectively : Follow a clear and logical structure for your research paper. Include sections such as an introduction, literature review, research methodology, findings and analysis, discussion, conclusion, and references. Use headings and subheadings to organize your content and facilitate readability.
• Write in a clear and concise manner : Communicate your ideas in a clear and concise manner, using language that is accessible to your target audience. Avoid jargon and technical terms unless necessary, and provide clear explanations for complex concepts. Use proper grammar, punctuation, and citation style to maintain academic integrity.
• Support your arguments with evidence : Ensure that your arguments are supported by robust evidence and relevant examples. Cite credible sources such as academic journals, government reports, and reputable organizations to strengthen the validity of your claims. Include both primary and secondary sources to provide a well-rounded perspective.
• Revise, edit, and proofread : Take the time to revise, edit, and proofread your research paper to ensure clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Check for consistency in formatting, citations, and references. Read your paper multiple times, and consider seeking feedback from peers or mentors to identify areas for improvement.

By following these tips, you will be able to produce an environmental policy research paper that is well-researched, well-structured, and contributes to the existing body of knowledge in the field. Remember to allocate sufficient time for each stage of the research process, seek guidance from your professors or mentors, and maintain a disciplined approach to your work.

Custom Research Paper Writing Services

When it comes to tackling a complex and important topic like environmental policy, it’s understandable that you may seek assistance in crafting a well-researched and insightful research paper. At iResearchNet, we offer custom writing services tailored to meet the unique needs of students studying environmental science. Our team of expert writers, with advanced degrees in environmental science and related fields, is committed to delivering high-quality, customized research papers that adhere to academic standards and address the specific requirements of your assignment. Here are 13 features that set our writing services apart:

• Expert degree-holding writers : Our team consists of experienced writers with advanced degrees in environmental science and related disciplines. They have the expertise and knowledge to tackle complex environmental policy topics with precision.
• Custom written works : We understand the importance of originality and tailor each research paper to meet your specific requirements. Our writers start from scratch and create unique, plagiarism-free content for every order.
• In-depth research : Our writers are skilled researchers who are adept at conducting comprehensive literature reviews and gathering relevant data to support your environmental policy research.
• Custom formatting : We follow the required citation styles and formatting guidelines to ensure that your research paper meets the academic standards and is properly formatted.
• Top quality : We are committed to delivering high-quality research papers that demonstrate critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of environmental policy issues.
• Customized solutions : We understand that each research paper is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet your specific research objectives and requirements. Our writers work closely with you to ensure that your paper reflects your ideas and perspective.
• Flexible pricing : We offer competitive and flexible pricing options to accommodate the budgetary constraints of students. We strive to provide affordable services without compromising on quality.
• Short deadlines : We understand that deadlines can be tight, and we are equipped to handle urgent orders. Our writers work efficiently to deliver quality research papers even within short timeframes.
• Timely delivery : We prioritize timely delivery and understand the importance of submitting your research paper on time. You can rely on us to meet your deadlines without compromising the quality of your paper.
• 24/7 support : Our customer support team is available round the clock to assist you with any queries or concerns you may have. We are dedicated to providing a seamless and responsive support system throughout the writing process.
• Absolute privacy : We prioritize the confidentiality of our clients. Your personal information and order details are kept strictly confidential, and we have robust measures in place to ensure data security.
• Easy order tracking : Our user-friendly platform allows you to track the progress of your order and communicate directly with your assigned writer. You can stay updated on the status of your research paper at every stage.
• Money back guarantee : We are committed to your satisfaction. If, for any reason, you are not fully satisfied with the final research paper, we offer a money-back guarantee to ensure your peace of mind.

By choosing iResearchNet for your custom environmental policy research paper, you can be confident that you are working with a trusted and reliable service provider. Our dedicated team of writers and support staff is committed to delivering a research paper that meets your academic requirements and exceeds your expectations. Place your order today and let us assist you in achieving your academic goals.

Order Your Custom Research Paper Today

Are you ready to elevate your environmental policy research to new heights? Look no further than iResearchNet, your trusted partner in custom research papers. Our team of expert writers, specialized in environmental science and policy, is here to provide you with the support and expertise you need to excel in your academic journey.

With our writing services, ordering a custom environmental policy research paper is quick, easy, and hassle-free. Experience the benefits of working with expert writers, receiving custom-written works, enjoying in-depth research, and ensuring proper formatting according to your preferred citation style. Our flexible pricing options, short deadlines, and commitment to timely delivery ensure that you can meet your academic requirements without compromising quality.

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Research in Environmental Economics - NCEE Working Paper Series

EPA's National Center for Environmental Economics (NCEE) publishes a working paper series on research in environmental economics. Paper topics include environmental management, resources and conservation, agriculture, global issues, institutional issues, and other topics. These papers are either authored by NCEE economists or produced with funding from NCEE.

The working papers are distributed for purposes of information and discussion. The opinions and findings expressed in these papers are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of EPA or NCEE. NCEE is committed to maintaining a high standard of quality in the NCEE Working Paper Series, and each paper must receive a favorable peer review prior to publication in the series. See Working Paper Series Instructions .

Any questions regarding the NCEE Working Paper Series can be addressed to the Managing Editor, Cynthia Morgan ( [email protected] ).

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Warmer wetter climate predicted to bring societal and ecological impact to the Tibetan Plateau

Increased rainfall and glacier meltwater set to dramatically reverse shrinking trend and expand land-locked lakes on tibetan plateau by 50%.

While recent reports have stated that more than half the world's largest lakes, including lakes in the Tibetan plateau, are drying up, a paper in Nature Geoscience suggests that, by the end of this century, land-locked lakes on the Tibetan Plateau are set to increase exponentially, resulting in major land loss and related economic, environmental and climatic impacts.

Climate and weather predictions suggest that increased rainfall due to climate change will enlarge these lakes, and see water levels rise by up to 10 metres.

The volume of water caught in these land-locked lakes is estimated to increase fourfold by 2100 according to the research by Dr Iestyn Woolway of Bangor University (UK) and colleagues in China, Saudi Arabia, USA and France.

The increased lake surface area will also mean the loss of critical land area, for agriculture, human habitation, critical road and rail networks and economic disruption.

Dr Woolway commented, "Climate change is making the Tibetan Plateau greener and more habitable, attracting more people to higher altitudes due to better access to water. However, rising lake levels require urgent planning and policies to mitigate impacts on the region's ecology and population."

The resultant land loss could also lead to a change in the landscape, as lakes merge and the course of the rivers which feed and inter-connect the lakes are altered.

This could lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions and a positive feedback loop, amplifying climate change. An increase in freshwater, and in flow between lakes could also cause a change in ecology and affect wildlife. As an example, when the Zonang Lake in Hoh Xil Nature Reserve burst its banks in 2011, the Tibetan Antelope found their migration route blocked.

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Journal Reference :

• Fenglin Xu, Guoqing Zhang, R. Iestyn Woolway, Kun Yang, Yoshihide Wada, Jida Wang, Jean-François Crétaux. Widespread societal and ecological impacts from projected Tibetan Plateau lake expansion . Nature Geoscience , 2024; DOI: 10.1038/s41561-024-01446-w

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