May 05, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in the United States are willing to make some economic sacrifices in order to help reduce global warming, according to a poll by the New York Times and CBS News. 75 per cent of respondents would pay more for electricity if it were generated by renewable sources like solar or wind energy.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in the United States are willing to make some economic sacrifices in order to help reduce global warming, according to a poll by the New York Times and CBS News. 75 per cent of respondents would pay more for electricity if it were generated by renewable sources like solar or wind energy.

In addition, 92 per cent of respondents favour requiring car manufacturers to produce cars that are more energy efficient, but only 38 per cent support an increased federal tax on gasoline.

The term global warming refers to an increase of the Earth's average temperature. Some theories say that climate change might be the result of human-generated carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

In 1998, several countries agreed to the Kyoto Protocol, a proposed amendment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The agreement commits nations to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The U.S. signed the protocol but has not ratified it.

Yesterday, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) member Stephan Singer expressed disappointment with the U.S. on global warming saying, "They are the biggest culprit and they are the biggest offender of climate. The United States should take climate change seriously."

Polling Data

In order to help reduce global warming, would you be willing or not willing to pay more for electricity if it were generated by renewable sources like solar or wind energy?

Willing	75%
Not willing	20%
Unsure	5%

In order to cut down on energy consumption and reduce global warming, do you favour or oppose requiring car manufacturers to produce cars that are more energy efficient?

Favour	92%
Oppose	6%
Unsure	2%

In order to cut down on energy consumption and reduce global warming, would you favour or oppose an increased federal tax on gasoline?

Favour	38%
Oppose	58%
Unsure	4%

Source: New York Times / CBS News
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,052 American adults, conducted from Apr. 20 to Apr. 24, 2007. Margin of error is 3 per cent.