Renewables vs fossil fuels

Q. As far as you know, which energy source – renewable energy like solar and wind OR fossil fuels like coal and gas – is better for each of the following?

	Renewable energy better	Fossil fuels better	No difference	Don’t know		May 2015 Renewable	May 2015 Fossil fuels
The environment	73%	8%	10%	10%		69%	5%
Electricity costs	41%	27%	14%	18%		47%	18%
The economy	40%	28%	14%	18%		42%	20%
Jobs	34%	26%	20%	20%		37%	20%

 

Overall, respondents think that renewable energy is better for the environment (73%), electricity costs (41%), the economy (40%) and jobs (34%). Since this question was asked in May 2015, main changes are an increase for renewables being better for the environment (from 69% to 73%) and a decline for renewables being better for electricity costs (from 47% to 41%).

 

There were few substantial differences across demographic groups – other than for men who were more likely to believe fossil fuels were better for the economy (36%), jobs (32%) and electricity costs (33%).

 

Liberal/National voters were more likely to think fossil fuels are better for the economy (39%), jobs (37%) and electricity costs (35%).