The Pew Research Center recently conducted a survey on public opinion of the BP oil spill; their findings are recorded and explained here. I’ve visualized some of those findings below. (NB: In each instance where I used a pie chart, the responses totaled 100 percent.)
They asked respondents, “Do you think the leak in the Gulf of Mexico is a major disaster, a serious problem, not too serious, or you don’t know?” Perhaps unsurprisingly, Republicans were split in their responses between deeming the leak “a major disaster” and “a serious problem.” Democrats, on the other hand, were more likely to state the leak was “a major disaster.”
“Has the response of the federal government/BP been excellent, good, only fair, or poor?” Again unsurprisingly, the administration fares better than BP.
The poll also asked respondents to compare President Bush’s handling of Katrina to President Obama’s handling of the oil spill. Because the oil spill is still a relatively new story, many respondents were less familiar with the spill than they were with Hurricane Katrina. Results:
Finally, the poll measured support for oil drilling and alternative energy options, comparing poll results from April 2009, February 2010 (before the spill), and May 2010 (after the spill).







Ok, so that is fascinating – especially the last chart. Support for everything has dropped, so what, exactly, is the solution? Keep the status quo?
I think we should boycot BP Oil. People should always have a worst case plan of action. Pointing fingers and not accepting responsibility are not good for the environment. It is worse than the spill itself. I believe the companies involved have shown they do not really care about damage they have done. They seem to think they are the victims. What about the damage to the entire ocean? What about the $$$ this costs people who are going to be out of jobs? The people involved in this seem to think they are above reproach. How reckless, arrogant and selfish can people with such power be? Exxon has not paid $$$ as it should have. I do not believe BP will either. Why should they? We need oil this is true but at what cost. We will pay more at the pump, market and have to pay for mess that has been made.
why are reporters not asking the right questions in regards to the amount of oil leaking from the riser tube, for instance
how much oil did the well make per day before the explosion?
why has bp not released these figures?
why does the united states coast gaurd know more about the amount leaking than bp?
i belive the 5000 bar. per day is a coast gaurd estimate.
why is the coast gaurd so chummy with bp? ie.
working together to keep reporters from viewing spill damage.
also i would like to hear bp’s responce to the loop current theory.
and finally is bp paying 100% of approved claiments lost income?
please bp give us somthing other than bs!!!!
Boycott BP. The brand will become damaged to the point that it will sell its U.S. assets. The behavior of other companies may be indirectly affected.
Demand criminal prosecution of people who knowingly harm others through their dishonest conduct. BP, and its corporate officers, have been dishonest in the management of this tragedy. Hang em high.