Most Americans — even Republicans — think the US should invest in renewable energy

A new survey conducted by researchers at Yale University and George Mason University has found that a majority of United States voters, on both sides of the aisle, support investing in renewable energies and cutting down on carbon emissions. 

The survey was conducted following November's presidential election, and pulled responses from more than 1,200 people nationally. The results showed that 85% of Democrats and 76% of Republicans think the U.S. should use more renewable energy — and 70% of registered voters "support setting strict carbon dioxide emission limits on existing coal-fired power plants to reduce global warming and improve public health," even if it meant an increase in the cost of electricity.

Notably, the survey found that a full 62% of voters want want President-elect Donald Trump to "do more to address global warming."

So far, Trump's cabinet picks have indicated that, rather than make fighting climate change a priority, his incoming administration seems likely to ignore its existence completely.

In a recent interview with Fox News, Trump said that "nobody really knows" whether climate change is real — despite a near consensus from the scientific community. And Trump's choice to head the Environmental Protection Agency, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, is a noted climate change doubter who is known for fighting the EPA over climate regulations.

But if this recent survey is any indication, the next administration would be well-advised to approach the issue with a critical eye.