Global Warming Initiative Has Broad Support

A recent poll found that more than three-quarters of all Democrats and Independents agreed with Gov. Crist’s statement that "Global climate change is one of the most important issues we face in this country, and we must make every effort to do what is right. Our state’s future depends on it." Only half of the surveyed Florida Republicans agreed.

Other findings include:

•69 percent of respondents said global warming will result in either "many" or "some" adverse effects, while 15 percent said global warming is not proven, and 5 percent said "no real effects."

•50 percent said global warming is a greater threat to Florida than to the rest of the continental United States.

•53 percent said reducing global warming "will be worth the economic cost."

•82 percent said they support Crist's goal of reducing climate-altering emissions to year 2000 levels over the next decade.

•71 percent said they approve Crist's plan for "capping emissions from major greenhouse gas sources such as utility plants, while 86 percent approved of his proposal "adopting a 'clean car standard' to require new cars sold in Florida to be more fuel efficient."

The poll was taken of 625 registered voters across the state, conducted between July 23rd and 25th. The results have a margin of error of +/- 4%. Environmental Defense commissioned the poll from Mason/Dixon.