Climate change concern at all-time high – except in China and the U.S.

A new survey conducted by Globescan found that “public concern about climate change is at its highest level” since the company began international tracking in 1998. The poll, carried out in conjunction with the BBC World Service poll, was conducted in 23 countries and listened to over 24,000 adults. Nearly two thirds of those polled say climate change is a “very serious” problem.

Despite the global recession, an average of 61% of respondents support their governments making investments to address climate change, even if these investments hurt the economy (these include investments in renewable energy).

While it seems that most of the world is taking climate change seriously, the two largest emitters of CO2 retain a more complacent attitude. While the Chinese are the most likely to support government investments to address climate change even if these harm the economy (with 89% in favour), only 52% of Americans feel the same way. Also, the percentage of American (45%) and Chinese citizens (57%) who see climate change as “very serious” is below the 23-country average of 64%.

Overall, an average of 44% of respondents say they want their government to “play a leading role in setting ambitious targets to address climate change” at Copenhagen. Numbers get quite high in Europe: 62% in the UK, 57% in France, and 55% in Germany. Pressure for government action at the COP15 is also high in non-EU countries such as Canada (61%), Australia (57%), Japan (57%), and Brazil (53%). And this is where China and the U.S. become less enthusiastic about COP15.

49% Chinese favour a “moderate approach” involving “only gradual action” over a “leadership approach” (37%) in Copenhagen. In the United States, 36% favour a “moderate approach” and 14% oppose any agreement. Only 46% of Americans want their government to show leadership.

Via Renewable Energy Focus

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