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Austrians Assess Effects of Climate Change
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Austria believe global warming is not particularly troublesome at this stage, according to a poll by OGM. 53 per cent of respondents say their fears about climate change are within limits, while 45 per cent are very concerned.
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. As a member of the European Union (EU), Austria ratified the protocol in May 2002.
Earlier this month, Austria's Hahnenkamm-Rennen downhill ski race was cancelled. Race organizer Peter Obenauer explained the situation, saying, "There was no chance to cover the last part of the mountain with snow before the race. Austria will have a big loss this year because of warm weather and no snow." 55 per cent of respondents believe the current warm winter is a regular situation, while 35 per cent deem it a result of climate change.
Polling Data
Would you say you are very concerned about climate change, or are your fears within limits?
Very concerned | 45% |
Within limits | 53% |
Not sure | 2% |
In your view, is the current warm winter a result of climate change, or is it a regular situation after three cold and snow-rich winters?
Result of climate change | 35% |
A regular situation | 55% |
Not sure | 10% |
Source: OGM
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 500 Austrian voters, conducted on Jan. 23, 2007. Margin of error is 4.5 per cent.