(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Australia are aware of global warming, according to a poll by Newspoll published in The Australian. 76 per cent of respondents think climate change and its effect on Australia is a major 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. Australia has not ratified the Kyoto Protocol.

On Feb. 20, Australian prime minister John Howard introduced a proposal which seeks to phase-out regular light bulbs in favour of energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs by 2009. Parliamentary secretary Malcom Turnbull explained the rationale, saying, "If the whole world switches to these bulbs today, we would reduce our consumption of electricity by an amount equal to five times Australia's annual consumption of electricity."

Opposition Australian Labour Party (ALP) leader Kevin Rudd welcomed the development, saying, "I've always said part of our job in opposition is not just to oppose; it's also to agree when we think the government has come up with a good idea. I think it's a good idea and I give it my 100 per cent support." 20 per cent of respondents are willing to pay more to use renewable or other alternative sources of energy if it would help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while 57 per cent would pay a little more.

Polling Data

Thinking about climate change, do you personally think climate change and its effect on Australia, is a major problem, a minor problem, or not a problem?

Now about reducing greenhouse gas emissions to help address climate change, would you personally be prepared to pay more, or not pay more, to use renewable or other alternative sources of energy if it would help reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

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