Americans’ Low ‘Energy IQ’: A Risk to Our Energy Future

Americans still don’t know enough about energy use and conservation, according to this October 2002 report by the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation. Those surveyed failed to make the grade when quizzed on their basic understanding of energy production, consumption, and conservation.

The report aims to demonstrate how national attitudes affect energy policy and usage, and outlines well-defined areas in which public-education initiatives can greatly improve environmental awareness and conservation efforts. Highlights include some surprising statistics on Americans’ energy-usage patterns and preconceptions.

Includes helpful graphs to illustrate issues that deserve particular attention in the national discourse on America’s energy future. A first step in solving any developing problem is awareness and knowledge, says the report, which maintains that an energy-smart public is more likely to be an energy-saving public.