Global Warming As Big A Threat As Terrorism

Published by MAC on 2007-03-29

Global Warming as Big a Threat as Terrorism

NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, (ENS)

29th March 2007

A new Yale research survey shows that 83 percent of Americans now say global warming is a "serious" problem, up from 70 percent in 2004.

The survey of 1,000 adults nationwide released earlier this month shows that 63 percent of participants agree that the United States "is in as much danger from environmental hazards, such as air pollution and global warming, as it is from terrorists."

The survey reveals growing concern about dependence on Middle Eastern oil, with 96 percent of those interviewed saying this is a serious problem. As a result, the survey shows overwhelming support for increasing the use of alternative energy, including solar and wind power, as well as investing more in energy efficiency.

Dan Esty, director of the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy, which commissioned the survey, says the United States is in the midst of a "revolution," in which the business community is embracing the profit potential of a burgeoning green consumer movement.

"There's been a dramatic shift in the business community's attitude toward the environment," observes Esty. "Rather than seeing environmental issues as a set of costs to bear, regulation to follow and risks to manage, companies have begun to focus on the upside, recognizing that society's desire for action on climate change, in particular, will create a huge demand for reducing carbon-content products.

More Americans than ever say they have serious concerns about environmental threats. Ninety-three percent are concerned about air pollution, up from 87 percent in 2004, while 92 percent are concerned about toxic soil and water, up from 85 percent in 2004.

Eighty-nine percent of those surveyed are worried about deforestation, up from 78 percent in 2004, and 83 percent are concerned about the extinction of wildlife, up from 72 percent in 2005.

The survey indicates that while 70 percent of those surveyed believe that President George w. Bush does not do enough for the environment and should do more, many are ready to act on their own. Seventy-five percent recognize that their own behavior can help to reduce global warming, and 81 percent believe it is their responsibility to do so.

The results show that many of those questioned want greener products and are ready to spend money to try new technologies that will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Seventy percent indicated a willingness to buy solar panels, and 67 percent would consider buying a hybrid car.

"The coalition supporting action on climate change has broadened considerably," said Gus Speth, dean of Yale's environment school. "With the public ready for carbon controls and business stepping up to the climate change challenge, it is disappointing that our political leadership is lagging so badly on this issue."

"It's clear that the public is not waiting for the government to take the lead," said Esty. "Americans no longer think it's entirely the domain of government to solve environmental problems. They expect companies to step up and address climate change and other concerns."

The survey suggests that the public's reasons for wanting investments in alternative energy and action on climate change vary widely. For 49 percent, concern stems from the rising cost of gasoline. Nine-three percent want the nation to be free of imported oil. Forty-three percent believe that preventing global warming is a religious duty.

The survey was conducted on behalf of the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies by Global Strategy Group from February 5 to 11, 2007. The survey has an overall margin of error of ±3.1% at the 95% confidence level.

The survey questions and full results are online at: www.yale.edu/envirocenter.