Republicans overwhelmingly prioritize economy over environment: poll

The survey last asked this question in 2018, at which time 58% of Americans preferred to address climate change while 34% preferred to prioritize the economy.

The plunge in U.S. crude oil prices this week reverberated across global financial markets.

By Ben Whedon

Nearly three-quarters of Republicans prioritize the economy over the environment despite the possible risks from climate change, a recent survey has shown.

72% of Republican adults said the economy ought to take precedence "even at the risk of ignoring climate change" in the latest NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll. Democrats, by contrast, held the opposite view by an even wider margin, with 80% saying that the country should address climate change "even at the risk of slowing economic growth."

On the whole, the country was more divided. 53% of U.S. adults preferred to address climate change, while 44% prioritized the economy. Independents split on the issue with 54% favoring climate and 44% preferring the economy.

The survey last asked this question in 2018, at which time 58% of Americans preferred to address climate change while 34% preferred to prioritize the economy.

Biden's handling of the economy earned poor marks from a clear majority, however. 57% said his decisions weakened the economy.

The president earned a 41% approval rating overall.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.