Publics want more government action on climate change: Global poll. (July 29, 2009)
This poll was conducted by the World Public Opinion survey in more than 20 countries/ regions including Taiwan, Mid-East countries, African countries, as well as the US and Europe. The percentages of public reaction to the level of government action needed vary. On average, the world publics think the government should place high priority when dealing with climate change, with a score of 7.33 on a 0-10 scale. The reaction of Taiwanese people is slightly higher than the average, whereas the Americans scored the lowest among the countries surveyed. People from Mexico (9.09), China (8.86), and Turkey (8.34) are among the highest-scoring countries.
Data set and documentation are available from
DRUM.
Awareness of climate change and threat vary by region. (Dec. 11, 2009)
This poll was conducted by Gallup in 128 countries. However, it is a pity that this poll asked only two questions--awareness and threat. Data may be available upon request.
Multi-Country Poll Reveals That Majority of People Want Action on Climate Change, Even if it Entails Costs[Abstract from DRUM]
A new poll of 15 nations, most of them in the developing world, finds that majorities of the people canvassed want their governments to take steps to fight climate change, even if that entails costs. People signaled they would support public measures to limit greenhouse gas emissions and step up adaptation measures. For example, respondents would support higher fuel efficiency standards for cars, preserving or expanding forests, and extending funding to vulnerable countries so they can develop hardier crops suited to more severe climates.
World publics willing to bear costs of combating climate change (Oct. 11, 2006)
This poll included five countries--Australia, India, China, South Korea, and the US. This poll also asked only two questions: 1) whether global warming is a critical threat, and 2) whether the government should take steps even if it involves costs.
[Abstract from survey report]
Climate change is seen as among the most important international issues by large numbers of those polled around the world. Sixty-eight percent of Australians call global warming a “critical threat” to their country’s “vital interests.” About the same proportion (67%) of South Koreans call it a critical threat, putting it at the top of their list of key challenges. Nearly half of the Chinese (47%) call the issue critical, making it number three on their list. For Indians (51%) and Americans (47%), global warming is around the middle of the list of 13 possible threats. Substantial numbers also consider it to be an “important” threat.
