June 27, 2005

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in Britain are worried about global warming, according to a poll by ICM Research published in The Guardian. 40 per cent of respondents say climate change is already a threat to the world, while 49 per cent say it will endanger future generations unless action is taken.

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in Britain are worried about global warming, according to a poll by ICM Research published in The Guardian. 40 per cent of respondents say climate change is already a threat to the world, while 49 per cent say it will endanger future generations unless action is taken.

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), Britain ratified the protocol in May 2002.

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. 86 per cent of respondents believe national governments should take responsibility for limiting climate change.

Polling Data

Which of the following do you agree with most?

The amount of climate change we have already experienced is a threat to the world	40%
Climate change is not currently a threat but will be for future generations unless something is done	49%
Climate change is not a threat	8%
None of these	1%
Don't know	2%

Which of the following do you think should take responsibility for limiting climate change?
(All that apply)

National governments	86%
Individual consumers	73%
Business	70%
Local councils	63%
None of these	3%
Don't know	1%

Source: ICM Research / The Guardian
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,005 British adults, conducted from Jun. 17 to Jun. 19, 2005. No margin of error was provided.