July 13, 2009
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Are Humans Causing Warming? 84% of Scientists, But Only 49% of Americans Agree

by Chris Hatch

Why isn’t the US climate bill tougher? Why is the United States government not moving more aggressively? Conventional wisdom in environmental circles blames a lack of “political will.” But updated polling suggests American politicians may be simply doing their jobs (depressingly in this case).

The reality check comes from the Pew Research Center and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. When asked whether the Earth is getting warmer due to human activity, only 49% of Americans agree.

46% think the process is either natural or non-existent.

The findings are broadly consistent with previous years. As are the findings on partisan breakdown: two-thirds of Republicans think warming is bunk whereas the reverse is true for Democrats.

In related findings, evolution finds support from 87 % of scientists vs. 32% of Americans — note that global warming is approaching evolution in its level of support from scientists; also 70% of scientists want more nuclear power vs. 51% of the American public

Here’s a link to the poll.

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