Majority of Americans prioritize economy over climate change: Harvard poll

Most Americans prioritize economic recovery over efforts to combat climate change, a recent survey revealed.

Just 7% of Americans listed "stopping climate change" as their greatest concern in a Harvard CAPS/Harris poll, released Wednesday. A further 10% listed it as their second priority.

Inflation, meanwhile was the top concern of 42% of Americans, coming in second for a further 17%. Energy prices also edged out climate change as the top concern for 8% and the second priority for a further 16%.

A majority of respondents, 55%, did not believe climate change was an "immediate threat" while 45% classified the issue as a "long term" threat or "not really" a threat.

Republicans, 85%, and Independents, 68%, overwhelmingly opposed the Biden administration's energy policies with 59% of respondents overall expressing disapproval.

Moreover, with the Senate set to vote on the budget reconciliation package that will include $7,500 tax credit to purchase electric vehicles, 68% of respondents said they preferred alternative methods to fight climate change.

President Joe Biden's overall approval rating remained low at 38%.