Poll Compares Climate Change Concern In Calif., Other Countries

A new poll finds Californians are more likely to view climate change as a serious problem, compared to people in other developed countries.

The Public Policy Institute of California found 57 percent of adults in the state believe climate change is a very serious problem. That is well-above the 45-percent U.S. national average, and also above the rate in other developed nations, including Russia, Japan, and the U.K.

"In California that number really stands out," says PPIC president Mark Baldassare. "So, we’re in line with France and Germany in terms of level of concern."

The institute compared its state survey with recent national and international numbers from Pew Research.

It also polled Californians about state efforts to curb climate change. Baldassare says that number didn’t move, even after lawmakers imposed more ambitious standards this summer.

"Conflict and controversy over SB350 apparently had no effect," Baldassare says.

About two-thirds think the new law will create or won’t cost jobs.