June 24, 2005

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States are concerned about climate change, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 52 per cent of respondents believe global warming is a serious threat to the human race.

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States are concerned about climate change, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 52 per cent of respondents believe global warming is a serious threat to the human race.

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.

During a Jun. 7 press briefing, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said U.S. president George W. Bush "is acting in a number of ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to work in partnership with others around the world to invest in new, cleaner technologies so that we can reduce pollution and so that we can address this important challenge." 45 per cent of respondents believe it is more important to lower gas prices than to reduce emissions that might cause global warming, while 43 per cent disagree.

McClellan added that the Kyoto Protocol "was something that was rejected unanimously by the United States Senate because it would have been a huge job-killer here in the United States, and because it didn't address developing nations in that protocol, as well."

British prime minister Tony Blair has declared that global climate change and economic development in Africa will be his two priorities during the annual G-8 summit, which will take place from Jul. 6 to Jul. 8 in Perthshire, Scotland.

Polling Data

Do you believe that global warming is a serious threat to the human race?

Yes	52%
No	29%

Is it more important to reduce emissions that might cause global warming or more important it insure lower gasoline prices for consumers?

Reduce emissions	43%
Lower gas prices	45%

Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,000 American adults, conducted on Jun. 15 and Jun. 16, 2005. Margin of error is 3 per cent.