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American belief in global warming plummets
Richard Fisher, deputy news editor
Global warming scepticism among US citizens appears to be on the rise. According to a survey of 1500 people by Pew Research Centre for the People and the Press,
only 57 per cent of Americans believe there is solid scientific
evidence for global warming. In 2007, the figure was 77 per cent. The
decline has been sharpest among independent voters and Republicans.
Fewer respondents saw global warming as a very serious problem: 35 per cent today, down from 44 per cent in 2008.
There was some good news for those who support legislation currently being considered by Congress that would place a cap on US emissions. Over half of the respondents supported the idea of the US joining with other countries in setting standards to address climate change, and half favour setting limits on carbon emissions, even if it affects energy prices and industry.
All that said, over half (55 per cent) had not heard of the cap-and-trade legislation under consideration.
