50% of North Carolinans Believe Global Warming Caused by Human Activity

Only 38 percent are willing to pay higher gas prices or utility bills to fight global warming.

June 2, 2009

COUNTY NC NEWS -- Despite repeated claims by the environmental movement that "the debate is over," only one-half of the voters in North Carolina believe global warming is caused by human activity according to a new poll released today by the Civitas Institute.

According to 600 sampled voters, when asked if they thought global warming was caused more by human activity, long-term changes in Earth's atmosphere or that global warming does not exist, 49.5 percent of voters said human activity was the cause of global warming. While only 22.8 percent responded changes in atmosphere and 15.2 percent said it did not exist. 12.2 percent stated they were not sure.

Executive director of the Civitas Institute, Francis De Luca said:

"The environmentalist movement would like the public to believe that there is overwhelming consensus on the causes of global warming. Unfortunately for them, that is not the case. With slightly less than half of voters believing that humans cause global warming, the debate is definitely not over despite Al Gore's assertions. Even among those who believe global warming is caused by humans, few are willing to pay higher prices in the name of combating the Global Warming crisis"

As a follow-up, voters who said global warming existed were asked if they thought global warming will pose a serious threat to their way of life. Only 37 percent responded, "yes." However, 38 percent responded they were willing to pay higher gas prices or utility bills to fight global warming.

It should be noted that the Civitas Poll is the only monthly live-caller poll of critical issues facing North Carolina. Presented below is the full text of the questions asked the 600 sampled voters in this recent study:

1. Do you think global warming is caused more by long-term changes in the Earth's atmosphere, by human activity or do think global warming does not exist?
   • Changes in atmosphere 22.8%
   • Human activity 49.5%
   • Does Not Exist 15.2%
   • Not Sure 12.2%
2. [IF did not answer "Does not exist"] Do you think global warming will pose a serious threat to you or your way of life in your lifetime?
   • Yes 37.1%
   • No 55.4%
   • Not sure 7.5%
3. [IF did not answer "Does not exist"] Would you be willing to pay higher gas prices and utility bill in the name of fighting global warming?
   • Yes 37.9%
   • No 55.2%
   • Not sure 6.9%

The study of 600 registered voters was conducted January 19, 2009 through 22, 2009. All respondents were part of a fully representative sample of registered voters in North Carolina. For purposes of this study, voters we interviewed had to have voted in either the 2004, 2006 or 2008 general elections or were newly registered voters since 2008. The confidence interval associated with a sample of this size is such that: 95 percent of the time, results from 600 interviews (registered voters) will be within +-4% of the "True Values." True Values refer to the results obtained if it were possible to interview every person in North Carolina who had voted in either the 2004, 2006 or 2008 general elections or were newly registered voters since 2008.

Finally, it cannot be argued that the Civitas Institute polls provide real time statistics of present beliefs among registered North Carolina voters. If followed, these studies enable North Carolinians to develop a better understanding of the true thoughts and values within North Carolina society.