American Views on Climate and Trade Policy: Polling Insights and Policy Implications

One of the many tools that policymakers can use to address climate change is trade policy. Elected officials on both sides of the aisle have shown increased interest in developing policy that takes greenhouse gas emissions into account—like a tariff on foreign-produced goods with a higher greenhouse gas footprint than similar, domestically produced goods. This approach is reflected in current proposals introduced in Congress, and in actions under the Biden Administration. But what does the average American voter think?

In this public forum, Christopher Borick, Director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion, will unveil new polling data on public attitudes toward climate-oriented trade policies. After a review of the poll and analysis, a panel of thought leaders will share their perspectives on what these results mean for the future of carbon/trade policies.

Introduction by

Nat Keohane
President, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions

Nathaniel Keohane is President of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), which is widely recognized in the United States and internationally as a leading, independent voice for practical policy and action to address the world’s energy and climate challenges. Dr. Keohane is an economist with more than 20 years…

Fireside Chat

Christopher Borick
Professor of Political Science; Director, Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion | Muhlenberg College

Dr. Christopher P. Borick is a Professor of Political Science and Director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion. He is a nationally recognized public opinion researcher who has conducted over 400 large-scale public opinion surveys during the past quarter century. The results of these surveys have regularly appeared…

Barry Rabe
J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Professor of Public Policy; Arthur F. Thurnau Professor; Professor of Environmental Policy; Professor of Political Science; Professor of the Environment | University of Michigan Ford School

Barry Rabe is a political scientist who examines the political feasibility, durability, and performance of climate policies in the United States, Canada, and other federal or multi-level systems of government. He is the Harris Family Chair of Public Policy at the Gerald Ford School of Public Policy at the University…

Panel Conversation

Kaveh Guilanpour
Vice President for International Strategies, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions

Kaveh Guilanpour is the Vice President for International Strategies at the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, overseeing the international aspects of the work of C2ES including in relation to the United Nations negotiations process. Mr. Guilanpour has worked in the environmental sector in policy and legal roles for more…

Shuting Pomerleau
Deputy Director of Climate | Niskanen Center

Shuting Pomerleau is the deputy director of climate policy at the Niskanen Center. Her areas of research include carbon taxation, carbon border adjustments, and policies at the intersection of climate and trade. Prior to joining Niskanen, she has previously worked in public policy at the Cato Institute and the American…

Yong Kwon
Senior Campaign Advisor | Sierra Club

Yong Kwon (he/him) serves as the Senior Campaign Advisor on Sierra Club’s Industrial Transformation team. Yong comes to Sierra Club from the Korea Economic Institute where he wrote and edited articles, newsletters, and interviewed experts on issues related to trans-Pacific trade and shared socio-economic challenges between the United States and…