What do Australians say about climate change?

Abstract

Climate change is an issue that has risen to prominence in the Australian political discourse. What views do Australians hold about climate change, have these views changed over time, and how do they compare to those of the American public? Measurement theory associated with public opinion suggests that caution needs to be taken in analysing the public’s views over time. Nevertheless, trend analysis shows that over the last decade a greater number of Australians are concerned about climate change, and that Australians are more likely to be concerned than are Americans. Although the paper provides some initial ideas about why cross-national differences between Australia and America exist, further research is required in this area. Show more