We should protect the wild.
And pay for our pollution.
These are the opinions of a majority of Floridians, based on a University of South Florida statewide survey on conservation and environmental policy.
The survey, released Aug. 3, found:
- 64% of Floridians say more action is needed to protect the environment from the population growth and development. • 55% say more action is needed to preserve the state’s natural ecosystems.
- 86% support additional funding to preserve ecosystems.
- 85% support additional funding to protect endangered species.
- 87% approve of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, which sets aside $400 million to preserve ecosystems and wildlife in the state.
- 89% support reforestation to absorb carbon emissions.
- 85% favor restrictions on the use of agricultural fertilizers.
- 76% favor taxing corporations to offset their carbon emissions.
- 56.5% favor local control over single-use plastic bans.
The survey, conducted July 15-25, included a 600 Floridians. The margin of error was plus or minus 4%.
— Lisa Neff