Polls & Research

Most Americans Worried About Global Warming

- Many adults in the United States express concerns over climate change, according to a poll by Bloomberg and the Los Angeles Times. 74 per cent of respondents describe global warming as a very or somewhat serious problem.

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.

Earlier this month, 22 world cities agreed to participate in former U.S. president Bill Clinton's climate initiative, which seeks to share ideas on cutting greenhouse gas pollution. Clinton explained his rationale, saying, "It no longer makes sense for us to debate whether or not the Earth is warming at an alarming rate, and it doesn't make sense for us to sit back and wait for others to act." 58 per cent of respondents think the Bush administration is doing too little to reduce global warming.

Polling Data

As you may know, scientists have found evidence that the earth's climate is warming. From what you have heard or read, do you think global warming is a very serious problem, a somewhat serious problem, not too much of a problem or not a problem at all, or haven't you heard enough about this to say?

When it comes to reducing global warming in particular, is the Bush administration doing too much, or too little, or just the right amount to reduce global warming?