July 07, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Among several environmental concerns, a large majority of people in France are mostly worried about global warming, according to a poll by Ifop released by France 2. 76 per cent of respondents consider climate change is an alarming threat.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Among several environmental concerns, a large majority of people in France are mostly worried about global warming, according to a poll by Ifop released by France 2. 76 per cent of respondents consider climate change is an alarming threat.

Water pollution is second on the list with 55 per cent, followed by air pollution with 53 per cent, residues of pesticides in foods with 49 per cent, the management and storage of nuclear waste with 45 per cent, and the depletion of natural resources with 42 per cent.

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. Earlier this year, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a report which states that global warming has been "very likely"—or 90 per cent certain—caused by humans burning fossil fuels.

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), France ratified the protocol in May 2002.

On Jul. 5, France's Renewable-Energy Union claimed the country has the potential to build 12 times its current wind power capacity. André Antolini, the head of the association, said this surge in wind power capacity would be equivalent to building more than 25 nuclear reactors of 900 megawatts each in less than 13 years, adding, "Our target is perfectly feasible. France comes just after the UK in terms of wind power potential."

Polling Data

Which of these threats do you consider most alarming?
(Several answers allowed)

Climate change	76%
Water pollution	55%
Air pollution	53%
Residues of pesticides in food	49%
Management and storage of nuclear waste	45%
Depletion of natural resources	42%

Source: Ifop / France 2
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 959 French adults, conducted on Jun. 20 and Jun. 21, 2007. No margin of error was provided.