Recent Polling on Public Perceptions of Climate Change

The document aggregates data from multiple polling organizations (including CNN, Gallup, and the Harris Poll) regarding public attitudes toward global warming. Key trends include a majority of U.S. adults viewing global warming as a proven fact caused by human activity, support for cap-and-trade systems and renewable energy mandates, and a growing belief that the U.S. should lead in reducing greenhouse gas emissions regardless of other nations' actions. Regional data highlights specific concerns in Florida regarding sea-level rise and in California regarding state-level emissions laws.

• A majority of polled U.S. adults believe global warming is a proven fact primarily caused by emissions from industrial facilities and vehicles, and many support a government-led cap and trade system to address it.
• There is strong public support for the United States taking a leadership role in controlling pollution and greenhouse gases, with a significant portion of the population believing the U.S. should act even if other countries do not.
• Public support exists for specific climate policies, including a 90 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 via an international treaty, higher fuel efficiency standards for vehicles, and a 20 percent renewable energy requirement for electric utilities.
• In Florida, there is high concern regarding the long-term physical impacts of global warming, with 80% expecting worse storms and droughts over the next 50 years and 69% believing parts of the coast may need to be abandoned due to rising sea levels.
• California residents show strong support for state-level climate legislation, including AB 32's requirement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and laws requiring automakers to cut emissions in new cars.
• Global polling indicates a broad consensus on the necessity of action, with 90% of respondents across 21 countries stating action is necessary to address global warming.

APA

Environmental and Energy Study Institute (2008). Recent Polling on Public Perceptions of Climate Change. https://www.eesi.org/files/climate_polling_factsheet_072808.pdf

Chicago

Environmental and Energy Study Institute. Recent Polling on Public Perceptions of Climate Change. 2008. https://www.eesi.org/files/climate_polling_factsheet_072808.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Environmental and Energy Study Institute |title=Recent Polling on Public Perceptions of Climate Change |date=July 2008 |url=https://www.eesi.org/files/climate_polling_factsheet_072808.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{environmentalandenergystudyinstitute2008recent, author = {{Environmental and Energy Study Institute}}, title = {{Recent Polling on Public Perceptions of Climate Change}}, institution = {Environmental and Energy Study Institute}, year = {2008}, month = jul, url = {https://www.eesi.org/files/climate_polling_factsheet_072808.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }