Europeans believe climate change is an even greater threat than the current economic crisis, and second worldwide only to poverty, a new poll says. According to the Eurobarometer poll, which was conducted in June, 89 percent of respondents said climate change is a “serious” problem, while 68 percent consider it a “very serious” problem, up from 64 percent in 2009. Twenty percent said it is the most important problem facing the planet. Nearly eight in 10 said addressing climate issues could provide an economic boost and create jobs, with more than two-thirds (68 percent) supporting tax-supported initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The poll was commissioned by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action. While numerous U.S. polls have shown declining public concern about climate change over the last three years, a poll released by Reuters/Ipsos in September found that the percentage of Americans who believe the climate is warming had increased from 75 percent to 83 percent during the previous year, a shift that followed one of the warmest summers in U.S. history.
Europeans View Climate Change As Second-Biggest Threat, Poll Finds
More From E360
-
Energy
Why U.S. Geothermal May Advance, Despite Political Headwinds
-
Food & Agriculture
In War Zones, a Race to Save Key Seeds Needed to Feed the World
-
Climate
Lightning Strikes the Arctic: What Will It Mean for the Far North?
-
RIVERS
A Win for Farmers and Tribes Brings New Hope to the Klamath
-
Solutions
Deconstructing Buildings: The Quest for New Life for Old Wood
-
NATURAL DEFENSES
How Restored Wetlands Can Protect Europe from Russian Invasion
-
Solutions
Birds vs. Wind Turbines: New Research Aims to Prevent Deaths
-
FORESTS
Cambodian Forest Defenders at Risk for Exposing Illegal Logging
-
OPINION
The ‘Green’ Aviation Fuel That Would Increase Carbon Emissions
-
CONSERVATION
Out of the Wild: How A.I. Is Transforming Conservation Science
-
Energy
China’s Mega Dam Project Poses Big Risks for Asia’s Grand Canyon
-
Solutions
How Natural Solutions Can Help Islands Survive Sea Level Rise