Government must combat climate change, says poll

Some 86.5 per cent of people polled in 14 countries believe that governments should do more to combat climate change.

Eight out of 10 people think that incandescent light globes should be phased out globally, and 85.5 per cent are worried about the impact that climate change will have on the world's children.

These are just some of the key conclusions from the first annual World Environment Review poll conducted with 14,000 people in 14 countries, and powered by global market intelligence solutions provider GMI (Global Market Insite).

To underline the international nature of climate change, three out of four people questioned across the 14 countries feel that the seasons are not arriving at the same time of year any more.

Some 79.5 pe cent of people felt that governments should make it easier for them to buy renewable electricity, and a further 90 per cent felt that all electricity should contain a minimum 25 per cent of power generated from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power.

A total 62 per cent of Chinese and 63 per cent of Indians said it would be appropriate for developed countries to demand restrictions on carbon emissions from China, India and other emerging economies.

Germans and Britons both thought that the biggest threat to the world's climate was the US Government policy on climate change - 27 per cent of Germans and 25.5 per cent of Britons felt this way.

Many other countries identified the destruction of rainforests and old growth forests as the biggest issue - India, The Netherlands and Brazil expressed the biggest concerns with 40 per cent, 34 per cent and 33 per cent respectively.

Initiated by Australian environmentalist Jon Dee, this is the first international public opinion survey on climate change since the release of the latest IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report.

"There is very serious public concern about climate change, and the poll shows that people across the world want governments to take strong action on the issue," said Dee.

"A lot of the action that the public want to see internationally is legislation and incentives that will make it easier for people and businesses to combat climate change".

Other key research findings include: 79.5 per cent of people polled think governments should enforce minimum energy efficiency standards on major white goods appliances; 50 per cent want governments to put an environment tax on 4WD cars; 81 per cent want governments to raise fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks; and 88 per cent think governments should do more to increase the sales of hybrid cars; 85 per cent want governments to do more to increase the use of public transport.

People felt that governments should make it easier for them to buy the following: renewable electricity (79.5 per cent), energy-efficient products (74 per cent), solar panels (72 per cent), hybrid cars (75 per cent) and carbon offsets (42.5 per cent).

Half of those polled (50.5 per cent) thought governments should impose a carbon tax on all domestic and international flights.

Only 52 per cent of people switched off appliances at the plug before going to bed, and only 37.5 per cent had saved energy by washing clothes in cold water.

Only 22 per cent believe that governments should do more to increase the use of nuclear energy.

This was the lowest score of alternative energy sources, with geothermal, hydro, tidal, wind and solar power all scoring higher.

Concerns about climate change and energy security are not leading people to embrace nuclear power - their major alternative energy preference lay with solar and wind (86 per cent and 80.5 per cent respectively).

Of the 14 countries polled, Italians were the most concerned about climate change (96 per cent).

The Americans and the Dutch were the least concerned with 74 per cent and 67.5 per cent respectively.

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