A new survey finds that only 57% of Americans think there is solid evidence that average temperatures are rising, as opposed to 71% a year ago.
"There has been a comparable decline in the proportion of Americans who say global temperatures are rising as a result of human activity, such as burning fossil fuels. Just 36% say that currently, down from 47% last year," the study highlights.
The research also notes that the decline in belief spans the whole political spectrum, but it has been more pronounced among independents (-22%). Republicans have increased their existing suspicions about the phenomenon (-14%), but Democrats' belief in global warming has also deteriorated (-8%).
"Despite the growing public scepticism about global warming, the survey finds more support than opposition for a policy to set limits on carbon emissions. Half of Americans favour setting limits on carbon emissions and making companies pay for their emissions, even if this may lead to higher energy prices," the study finds.
The issue nonetheless has not aroused great interest among the American public. "Just 14% say they have heard a lot about the so-called 'cap-and-trade' policy that would set carbon dioxide emission limits," the survey notes.
Moreover, those who have heard a lot about carbon emission limits tend to oppose them by two-to-one (64% against 32%).
Ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, a majority (56%) of Americans think the United States should join other countries in setting standards to address global climate change, the study concludes.
