wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] Few Presbyterians ace energy quiz

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ECUNET.ORG>]

Note #8729 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

05247
May 10, 2005

Few Presbyterians ace energy quiz

Not one of 1,600 in poll could answer eight true/false questions

by Jerry L. Van Marter

LOUISVILLE ? In a survey sure to disappoint environmentalists, not one of
more than 1,600 participants in a recent Presbyterian Panel poll was able to
correctly answer eight true-false questions on energy issues.

	The questions, put to a random scientific sample of Presbyterian
members, elders, pastors and specialized clergy by the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.)'s Research Services office (answers below):

	*Compared to 20 years ago, the overall energy efficiency of U.S.
motor vehicles has improved.

	*The burning of fossil fuels is the primary cause of recent global
climate change.

	*On average, food in the U.S. travels more than 1,200 miles to get
from the farmer to the consumer.

	*The United States government's long-term plan for dealing with
nuclear waste is to ship the waste to outer space.

	*Only a little over one-third of the energy used in a conventional
oil or coal-fired power plant is converted into electricity.

	*Less than a quarter of all petroleum consumed in the United States
is imported.

	*Of renewable resources used by electric utilities (such as
hydro-electric, solar, wind), wind currently generates the most power.

	*The U.S., with 5 percent of the world's population, annually
accounts for more than 40 percent of worldwide petroleum consumption.

	Of the 938 members and elders who responded to the panel, 22 percent
got five or more correct; 7 percent got six or seven more correct; and 1
percent got seven correct. Among the 724 ministers, 34 percent got five or
more correct; 15 percent six or more; and 3 percent got seven correct.

	Panelists did the best job on question 6 ? 72 percent of members and
80 percent of ministers correctly answered "false." Actually, 60 percent of
the oil used in the United States is imported.

	The panelists' performance was poorest on question 8. Only 4 percent
of members and 2 percent of the other groups correctly responded "false." The
United States accounts for 25 percent of world oil consumption.

	Majorities of all groups said they believe U.S. energy production and
consumption contributes to such environmental conditions as acid rain, water
pollution, habitat destruction, global climate change, mercury pollution and
loss of plant and animal species.  Most ministers said they believe U.S.
energy production and consumption also contribute to the rise in ocean
levels, but only 36 percent of members and 41 percent of elders agreed.

	Panelists were most apt to attribute energy-related problems to
"consumption/lifestyles." Other factors cited most often were
"economics/politics" and "how we regard nature."

	By wide margins ? 65 percent of members; 68 percent of elders; 76
percent of pastors and 80 percent of specialized clergy ? panelists said
conservation is more important in addressing U.S. energy needs than more
production.

	And half or more of all the groups ? ranging from 74 percent of
elders to 50 percent of specialized clergy ? said they think nuclear power
should play a "very important" or "somewhat important" role in meeting future
energy needs.

	Majorities of every group agreed that their use of energy is part of
their practice of stewardship, and that energy conservation reflects
Christian/Reformed values.

	Three-quarters of ministers and more than 40 percent of members
agreed that it is unjust that Americans consume a disproportionate amount of
the world's energy. Similar percentages agreed that the world's poor people
bear a disproportionate share of the harmful burdens of energy production,
such as air and water pollution.

	Fewer than 20 percent of respondents in all groups - ranging from 16
percent of members to 13 percent of pastors - said they believe U.S.
government "leadership and policies concerning energy" are effective. Half or
more of every group said they'd like to see the government promote
conservation, subsidize the development and use of renewable energy sources,
require car makers to increase fuel economy and require periodic testing of
vehicles for excessive emissions.

	Large minorities of lay respondents ? 44 percent of members and 47
percent of elders ? and large majorities of ministers ? 69 percent of pastors
and 79 percent of specialized clergy ? said they believe the United States
should ratify the Kyoto Protocol, a treaty designed to reduce emissions that
contribute to global climate change.

	Around one-third of lay respondents and a majority of ministers said
they are willing to pay higher taxes to support energy conservation efforts
and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil. And higher percentages ? 39
percent of members, 45 percent of elders, 63 percent of pastors and 76
percent of specialized clergy ? said they'd be willing "to pay more at home
for electricity generated by renewable energy sources such as wind, solar or
geothermal."

	Although more than 80 percent of all four said they groups drive
alone to work each day rather than car-pool, walk, bike or take public
transportation, nearly half of all panelists said they have taken steps in
the past year to reduce their use of motor vehicles.  Likewise, majorities
said they have tried to use less energy at home.

	Nearly 90 percent of all respondents said they regularly recycle
items such as newspapers, cans and bottles.

Answers: 1 false; 2 true; 3 true; 4 false; 5 true; 6 false; 7 true; 8 false.

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please send an email to
pcusanews-subscribe-request@halak.pcusa.org or
pcusanews-unsubscribe-request@halak.pcusa.org

To contact the owner of the list, please send an email to
pcusanews-request@halak.pcusa.org