Circular Economy Innovation & Technology

Americans Back Sustainable Tech Growth and Education, Jobs to Support It

While some climate-mitigation efforts can be polarizing, a new survey by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation reveals significant public support for investments in sustainable technologies.

Published 4 months ago | About a 6 minute read

Image: Hoan Ngọc

Despite recent reports of waning demand for electric vehicles and job cuts in renewable-energy sectors in an increasingly polarized election year, a new survey found a strong demand among US adults for advancements in sustainable technologies and a workforce equipped to implement them.

A recent survey conducted by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) shows the public has a clear desire for the adoption of new, clean technologies — as well as business incentives, training opportunities and robust career pathways to support this growing economy.

“The US accounts for more than 11 percent of global CO2 emissions with only about 4 percent of the world population. Reducing that share is increasingly a priority of federal and state governments, corporations, and individuals,” said Jake Foose, Research Analyst for Guidehouse Insights. “The recent survey data from the MEDC showcases a strong public desire to not only embrace solutions that fight climate change but also calls for programs and incentives to spur adoption.”

Desire for sustainable tech and jobs that enable it

While some climate-mitigation efforts can be polarizing issues, MEDC’s survey — which polled a nationally representative sample of 1,000 US adults in March 2024 — revealed significant support for investments in sustainable technologies.

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71 percent of people believe that major investments in climate tech, clean energy and EV infrastructure will ultimately pay off. In fact, 62 percent of survey respondents agreed that it’s important to continue developing clean-energy technologies. In addition, 71 percent of respondents indicated their communities would benefit from growth in sustainable sectors and providing new opportunities for workers.

“At the crux of any widespread transformation like electrification is a workforce that’s able to adapt to the rapidly shifting needs of our communities,” Foose said. “Technology sectors that have been neglected in the US economy can be mobilized to meet these workforce needs — for example, by creating training programs that enable new workers to enter these fields. These programs are essential to providing a steady pipeline of skilled workers.”

The vast majority of survey respondents (88 percent) agreed that companies won’t survive without providing training to employees working with sustainable technologies. Most respondents (67 percent) also consider providing training programs as the top way for states to encourage job growth.

However, respondents recognized that clean-energy solutions need the support of government agencies to come to fruition — legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act exemplifies a great first step, but 86 percent said that widespread adoption won’t happen without stronger government incentives for businesses.

Where it’s made matters

Among survey respondents is an expectation that sustainable technologies are designed and manufactured here in the US. In fact, 87 percent of respondents said they were more willing to pay more for domestically designed and made technology. However, confidence in the US workforce’s ability to produce this technology is split: More than half of respondents believe it’s difficult for the US workforce to compete against skilled workers from other countries.

Public acknowledges benefits and barriers of EVs

Electric vehicles are a prime example of a solution critical to decarbonization that draws a multitude of opinions and levels of understanding — consumer reticence has led many automakers — including Michigan-based Ford and GM — to dial back their ambitious electrification strategies in the past year.

But transportation accounts for 28 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the US, with 58 percent of that attributed to light-duty vehicles. Electrifying the approximately 15 million new light-duty vehicles purchased every year would be one of the fastest and most straightforward ways to reduce emissions.

A shift toward electric mobility is not only a priority for environmental policy but also a major focus for economic innovation across the country. Survey results indicated consumers’ interest in electrification — with 81 percent of respondents saying they would consider buying an EV at some point — but barriers to adoption still exist that a skilled workforce could help address:

US consumers cite cleaner air (74 percent), lower carbon footprints (61 percent) and community health benefits (43 percent) as top benefits of electric transportation. Other benefits include quieter (43 percent) and safer roads (24 percent).
Nationwide, the top barriers for widespread adoption of EVs are cost (65 percent) and difficulty finding charging stations (66 percent).
Lower prices (58 percent), more access to charging stations (50 percent), and improvements to range (47 percent) would make the nation consider buying an EV.

Skepticism over EVs could also be due to a lack of knowledge: A surprising 38 percent of respondents say they are not familiar with EVs. Gen Z (74 percent) and Millennials (70 percent) are more likely to be familiar with EVs and their benefits, compared to Gen X (61 percent) or Baby Boomers (53 percent). The lack of familiarity among older generations could be why 73 percent of Boomers and 64 percent of Gen X don’t trust most claims about EVs, compared to just 50 percent of Gen Z. Nearly half of Millennials (48 percent) would consider buying an EV in the next five years, compared to just 15 percent of Boomers.

Expectations for sustainable tech vary across generations

While survey data indicate generally positive sentiment toward sustainable and clean-energy solutions and their potential impact on day-to-day life, opinions vary between different generations of consumers.

Across generations, a majority of people think that major purchases on sustainable projects pay off in the long run — but Gen Z and Millennials are much more likely to believe this (78 percent and 81 percent respectively) than Baby Boomers (56 percent).

One area that is generally agreed upon across generations is that the adoption of clean-energy solutions won’t happen without stronger government incentives for businesses; at least 84 percent of all four generations surveyed agree with that statement. In addition, all generations agree that companies won't survive without providing training to employees to work with sustainable technologies.

Michigan leading the charge

Two-thirds of Michigan residents (68 percent) believe that major purchases of sustainable products pay off in the long run — that number rises to 85 percent among Gen Z.

Recognizing the positive impacts of sustainable technologies on both its economy and communities, the state is strategically positioning itself as a leader in sustainable innovation: At the heart of Michigan's environmental and economic strategy is the MI Healthy Climate Plan — which lays a pathway for the state to reach 100 percent carbon neutrality by 2050 through a broad range of strategic objectives designed to reduce carbon emissions, foster clean-energy technologies and create sustainable job opportunities across the state.

“With its industrial might and abundant natural resources, Michigan is strategically positioned to lead the fight against the climate crisis. We have the capacity to invent and manufacture what’s required to win, but we’ll need homegrown talent from across our state and from across the country to get the job done,” said Hilary Doe, Chief Growth & Marketing Officer for the State of Michigan. “If you want to do purpose-driven work to fight the climate crisis, come to Michigan — because this is the front line. Through comprehensive training programs and strategic initiatives like the MI Healthy Climate Plan, we are ensuring that our workforce is not only prepared for the jobs of tomorrow but is also instrumental in shaping them.”