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 |
Sep 2014 Renewable |
Sep 2014 Fossil fuels |
||
|
The environment |
69% |
5% |
9% |
17% |
77% |
5% |
|
|
Electricity costs |
47% |
18% |
11% |
24% |
45% |
19% |
|
|
The economy |
42% |
20% |
11% |
26% |
39% |
29% |
|
|
Jobs |
37% |
20% |
16% |
27% |
36% |
25% |
Overall, respondents think that renewable energy is better for the environment (69%), electricity costs (47%), the economy (42%) and jobs (37%). Since this question was asked in September, main changes are a decline for renewables being better for the environment (from 77% to 69%) and a decline for fossil fuels being better for the economy (from 29% to 20%).
There were few substantial differences across demographic groups – other than for electricity costs where 52% of women think renewables are better compared to 41% of men.
Liberal/National voters were more likely to think fossil fuels are better for jobs (30%).