Gallup Surveys The World on Climate Change

Gallup surveys conducted in 111 countries throughout 2010 have yielded interesting results that, once again, show America to be behind the times on accepting fault for the current climate change.

The figures follow trends in America that see a continuing downhill climb of those who believe climate change is happening, a threat, or their fault. But this downhill climb is not restricted to the US, rather, it is most obvious there, a result probably of the linkage the issue has to which political leaning you enjoy.

When asked whether rising temperatures are a result of human activities or natural causes, the figures are somewhat astounding, as can be seen in the chart below.

While an average has 35% of those surveyed believing humanity is at fault, and only 14% laying the blame at nature’s feet, when you look into the individual countries it becomes a more interesting story.

Developed Asia ranks highest amongst those who believe that human activities are behind the current global warming or climate change, with 76% of respondents taking responsibility and only 12% shirking their role. Conversely, the United States ranks in with 34% of those surveyed believing humanity is the cause and a whopping 47% – the largest totalled – blaming nature’s vagaries.

When asked whether they acknowledge at least some human contribution to climate change, 48% of adults worldwide admit that climate change results from human activities or that it could at least in part be a result of human activities, in concert with natural shifts.

Again, however, developed Asia is willing to take responsibility for its part in the changing climate, with 83% of respondents admitting it could be a result of human activities or both, while the US is down at 48%. Sadly, both of these figures are down from 2007-2008 (88% and 60% respectively.

This is all highlighted when those surveyed were asked the simple question, “how serious of a threat is global warming to you and your family?”

Only 42% on average believed that it was a very or somewhat serious threat (which was at least a one percent bump from 2007-2008), with wild variations across the board admitting or denying threat (see chart below).

Source: Gallup 1 & 2
Image Source: Oxfam International

4 thoughts on “Gallup Surveys The World on Climate Change”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top