Challenges of global hot air

A global poll for the BBC World Service shows that the majority of people around the world are willing to change their lifestyles and behaviors to combat climate change. But only half of the 22,000 respondents agreed to pay higher taxes on oil or coal to reduce their dependence on these fuels.

According to BBC environmental correspondent Matt McGrath, the results of the survey show that in many countries, people are willing to change their lifestyle to fight global warming more than their government.

Most respondents said they are willing to change their lifestyle to address global climate change (Photo: BBC)

In 21 countries surveyed, more than 80% of respondents agreed with the idea. More than 60% said it is necessary to increase energy prices to encourage people to cut down on fuel consumption, causing carbon emissions to be carbon dioxide. That number includes a large number of respondents in the US and cities in China.

But the picture becomes more complicated when people are asked whether they are willing to pay more taxes to achieve that goal.

Of the Chinese in urban areas, up to 85% said they were willing to pay higher taxes on oil and coal, while less than half of Americans asked agreed with the idea, and only 50% of all respondents supported the idea.

Doug Miller, president of the international polling company, Globescan, the company conducting the survey, said."People are not willing to pay more, or through prices or so if they feel it is just a way of adjusting their needs."

"People are willing to pay more taxes if they are confident that the tax will be used to address climate change."

Globscan survey results

"But this poll shows that people are willing to pay more tax if they are confident that the tax will be used to address climate change by conducting energy improvements effectively or naturally. Data cleaner ".

The results of the poll came just weeks before the start of negotiations on another international treaty after the expiration of the Kyoto treaty. This result also pleases political leaders who argue that in order to prevent global warming, major changes in lifestyle as well as restrictions on industries are needed. career.

Beginning November 5, 2007, the BBC started Climate Week with special articles in English and many languages, including Vietnamese on the topic of climate change. Please listen on our waves and website.