Voters haven't warmed to climate change

The public are far more sceptical about global warming than most politicians claim, a poll has revealed.

One in five say they do not believe human behaviour was altering the climate - while most say they are doing nothing to reduce their carbon footprint.

The research highlights the huge gap between scientists and politicians and the views of ordinary men and women.

Almost every major political party in Britain and Europe is committed to reducing emissions of carbon dioxide - the major

greenhouse gas. However, the poll of 2,031 adults revealed that opposition to green measures could be significant.

Eighteen per cent of those polled believe human activity did not have a 'significant effect' on climate and 40 per cent say climate change was too uncertain for scientists to make useful forecasts.

Only 41 per cent were making 'any effort' to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, while 40 per cent believe global warming was caused by human and natural events.

Their views are in conflict with scientists.

A report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded the rise in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was the result of human behaviour - and that increased concentrations will raise global temperatures.

Phil Downing, head of environmental research at pollsters Mori, said: 'The public is somewhere behind politicians and businesses on the climate-change issue.'