The poll shows majority support (73% on average) in all but two countries for an agreement in which developing countries would limit their emissions in return for financial assistance and technology from developed countries.
The survey was conducted for the BBC World Service by the international polling firm GlobeScan, together with the Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) at the University of Maryland. GlobeScan coordinated fieldwork between May 29 and July 26, 2007.
Steven Kull, director of PIPA, said, "The public in developing as well as developed countries agree that action on climate change is necessary." GlobeScan President Doug Miller added, "The strength of these findings makes it difficult to imagine a more supportive public opinion environment for national leaders to commit to climate action."
Two-thirds or more endorse the view that human activity, including industry and transportation, is a major cause of climate change in all but one of the countries polled. The exception is India, where 47 percent attribute climate change to human activity, 21 percent disagree and 33 percent do not answer.
In 13 of 21 countries, at least twice as many call for "major steps starting very soon" as "modest steps over the coming years." In no country does a majority say that no steps are necessary. A key growing economy with a large majority in favor of significant action is China. Seventy percent of urban Chinese respondents believe major steps are needed quickly to address climate change.
There is a widespread consensus that both developing and developed countries should take action. Just three countries opt instead for the position that less-wealthy countries should not be expected to limit emissions: Egypt, Nigeria and Italy.
