# data[].attributes.body
Climate change is a local problem that requires global solutions. Do you agree? In your response, compare attitudes to climate change in Australia with at least one other nation of your choice. Your essay needs to demonstrate evidence of scholarly research.

# data[].attributes.body
Even though many counties do not have the infrastructure to fight global warming, climate change is a global issue that needs international solutions from Australia and the China. Since additional efforts need to be made to stop climate change globally.

# data[].attributes.body
“Climate change” OR “Global warming” OR “Changing of weather” AND Australia Or “In Australia” And Attitude* Or Outlook* OR Viewpoint* Or Opinion*

# data[].attributes.body
“Climate change” OR “Global warming” OR “Changing of weather” AND CHina Or “In China” And Attitude* Or Outlook* OR Viewpoint* Or Opinion*

# data[].attributes.headline
Government website on Climate change statistics

# data[].attributes.subject
Government website on Climate change statistics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Facts

This week CSIRO released the results of a five-year study into Australian attitudes to climate change and adaptation.

Almost 17,500 people were surveyed about their views on climate change, and the results provide a fascinating insight into the minds of Australians.

You can read the full report here, but we've pulled out some key highlights for you below.

The majority of Australians (78%) accept that the climate is changing.

Regardless of their age, gender or level of education.

Most people overestimated how many Australians think climate change is not happening.

The number is actually really small!!

University scientists are the most trusted to provide information about climate change, followed by environmental scientists and environmental organisations.

Oil companies and car companies are the least trusted.

About two-thirds of surveyed Australians expect that temperatures will get warmer in their region in the next twenty years.

Less than 8% expect that temperatures will get cooler.

More than half the people surveyed had suffered injury, loss or damage as a result of extreme weather events.
Image credit: Flickr user David Rogers-Worrall licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Including extreme high temperatures (61%), heatwaves (61%) and drought (57%). The majority of people also think that these extreme weather events will increase in intensity and frequency in the future.

Check out the full survey results from the CSIRO here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Facts This week CSIRO released the results of a five-year study into Australian attitudes to climate change and adaptation. Almost 17,500 people were surveyed about their views on climate change, and the results provide a fascinating insight into the minds of Australians.

# data[].attributes.headline
Paper on Climate change in South Australia

# data[].attributes.subject
Paper on Climate change in South Australia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
climate change; coal; complex adaptive systems; hunter valley

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ecology and Society: Transformation from "Carbon Valley" to a "Post-Carbon Society" in a Climate Change Hot Spot: the Coalfields of the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Evans, G. R. 2008. Transformation from "Carbon Valley" to a "Post-Carbon Society" in a climate change hot spot: the coalfields of the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia. Ecology and Society 13(1): 39. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-02460-130139

# data[].attributes.headline
attitudes toward environmental management within Australia

# data[].attributes.subject
attitudes toward environmental management within Australia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Research Article

Authors

Lorne S. Cummings

Corresponding author

Department of Accounting and Finance, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Department of Accounting and Finance, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
Search for more papers by this author

Abstract

This study presents a survey of the attitudes of corporate managers and managerial students across Australia, the People's Republic of China and Indonesia toward 18 key contemporary environmental management issues. The study sought to explore whether respondents from these countries, characterized by differing levels of development, also differ in their attitude toward environmental management. Results indicated that, despite age being a moderating factor, significant differences did exist between the 676 country respondents on 15 of the 18 questions. Contrary to expectations, Australian respondents were more cautious of supporting a forthright view on environmental issues, whilst Chinese respondents favoured a more centralized approach to decision making regarding the environment. The results lend marginal support to the new environmental paradigm (NEP), but also to the radicalization of environmental issues and age as a possible influence on respondent beliefs. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Research Article

Authors

Lorne S. Cummings

Corresponding author

Department of Accounting and Finance, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Department of Accounting and Finance, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
Search for more papers by this author

Abstract

This study presents a survey of the attitudes of corporate managers and managerial students across Australia, the People's Republic of China and Indonesia toward 18 key contemporary environmental management issues. The study sought to explore whether respondents from these countries, characterized by differing levels of development, also differ in their attitude toward environmental management. Results indicated that, despite age being a moderating factor, significant differences did exist between the 676 country respondents on 15 of the 18 questions. Contrary to expectations, Australian respondents were more cautious of supporting a forthright view on environmental issues, whilst Chinese respondents favoured a more centralized approach to decision making regarding the environment. The results lend marginal support to the new environmental paradigm (NEP), but also to the radicalization of environmental issues and age as a possible influence on respondent beliefs. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Research Article

Authors

Lorne S. Cummings

Corresponding author

Department of Accounting and Finance, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Department of Accounting and Finance, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
Search for more papers by this author

Abstract

This study presents a survey of the attitudes of corporate managers and managerial students across Australia, the People's Republic of China and Indonesia toward 18 key contemporary environmental management issues. The study sought to explore whether respondents from these countries, characterized by differing levels of development, also differ in their attitude toward environmental management. Results indicated that, despite age being a moderating factor, significant differences did exist between the 676 country respondents on 15 of the 18 questions. Contrary to expectations, Australian respondents were more cautious of supporting a forthright view on environmental issues, whilst Chinese respondents favoured a more centralized approach to decision making regarding the environment. The results lend marginal support to the new environmental paradigm (NEP), but also to the radicalization of environmental issues and age as a possible influence on respondent beliefs. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Managerial attitudes toward environmental management within Australia, the People's Republic of China and Indonesia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Research Article Corresponding author Department of Accounting and Finance, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia Department of Accounting and Finance, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia Search for more papers by this author This study presents a survey of the attitudes of corporate managers and managerial students across Australia, the People's Republic of China and Indonesia toward 18 key contemporary environmental management issues.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Australia vs United States: Environment Facts and Stats

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Marine fish catch, Million metric tons, Current issues, Ecological footprint, Air pollution and 220 More Interesting Facts and Stats

# data[].attributes.body
china is now a world leader and can no longer afford to ignore the effects of climate change, in the last quarter of a century china has gone from a mainly agrarian society/3rd world to its current day status as not only a world superpower but also world sharper.
Japan was forced long ago to deal with the effects of global warming. being a country of around 120million people but only having the land mass 15 times small than australia. the effects of climate change are magnified.
in australia we have 1 type of recycling bin in our households. in japan you tend to find six different waste disposal groups.

# data[].attributes.headline
What is Australia's attitudes towards Climate Change?

# data[].attributes.subject
What is Australia's attitudes towards Climate Change?

# data[].attributes.body
Australia's first attempted to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in 1995: The Greenhouse Challenge Program. This was implemented under the John Howard government being the first official greenhouse agency, the Australian Greenhouse Office. In 2010, Kevin Rudd planned to introduce a carbon pollution reduction scheme. The Gillard government introduced the Carbon Tax, which was abolished in 2013 by Tony Abbott.

# data[].attributes.body
Many climatologists believe that climate change has led to an increase in erratic weather patterns, including extreme drought, heat waves, and devastating hurricanes, as well as a shrinking of the polar ice caps, the retreat of glaciers, and a rise in sea levels of 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) during the twentieth century. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The University of Notre Dame Australia :: EzProxy Login

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Australia is working to find practical solutions to the climate challenge. We are working with countries in the region to manage natural resources, respond to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters and find pathways to sustainable economic growth.

Why we give aid

Australia's aid program helps to improve living standards by promoting sustainable economic growth. Natural resources are a fundamental building block of economic development-but the environment is under increasing pressure to support growing populations. At the same time, emerging threats such as climate change are increasing the risks to communities in developing countries, especially the most vulnerable and marginalised. Without intervention, the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation will erode and reverse development gains, and jeopardise the livelihoods of poor people.

How we give aid

Australia will spend approximately $200 million on climate change in 2017-18, with investments across country, regional and global programs. Australia has committed $1 billion over five years to address climate change challenges.

The impacts of global warming are already being felt and many of Australia's neighbours in the Indo-Pacific are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. A substantial proportion of our climate change funding will flow to these countries, including $300 million to Pacific countries over four years (2016-2020) to help them build climate resilience, reduce emissions, and support implementation of commitments under the Paris Agreement, including on adaptation and mitigation.

Australia's funding will build on existing investments that support effective, evidence-based adaptation and that strengthen governance across key sectors, including finance, infrastructure, planning, education, water and food security. Australia's support will also build the capacity of Pacific Countries and Least Developed Countries in our region to access climate change financing to attract investment.

Some examples of the work Australia is supporting in the region include helping the Pacific better understand climate impacts through investment in science and adaptation planning and support to national weather and climate services in 14 Pacific countries ($39.8 million until June 2018). Our funding will improve forecasting and reporting on climate, tides and the ocean and deliver practical information on drought conditions, water storages, and malaria and other health risks.

Australia is also supporting the increased participation of Pacific women in climate-related decision-making processes ($0.6 million in 2015-2017). Australia will also contribute to the Climate Risk Early Warning System, a global initiative to help protect lives and livelihoods in Small Island and Least Developed Countries ($5 million over four years from 2016 to 2020).

Our support for multilateral efforts addressing climate change includes:

Our $200 million commitment to the Green Climate Fund (2015 to June 2018) which will support developing countries to grow their economies in a sustainable way and help them adapt to climate change. The GCF will leverage private sector investment and support a range of emission reduction and adaptation projects with broader economic and environmental benefits. Australia is co-chair and an active member of the GCF Board and uses its seat to advocate the interests of our region, and to promote effective governance.

A proportion of our core contributions to the Asia Development Bank, World Bank, the Global Green Growth Initative, and UN agencies are providing climate change assistance to developing countries (estimated $95 million in 2016/17).

By integrating climate considerations into our investments, we ensure development impacts are lasting. We do this through climate risk screening, by climate-proofing new investments and by designing programs to ensure development outcomes are attained even under changing climatic conditions. We also implement mandatory safeguards to ensure that we protect the environment when delivering the aid program overseas. For more information on these safeguards, see Environmental protection.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Overview of Australia's assistance for climate change

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Australia is working to find practical solutions to the climate challenge. We are working with countries in the region to manage natural resources, respond to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters and find pathways to sustainable economic growth.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Enter your email address below. If your address has been previously registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to reset your password. If you don't receive an email, you should register as a new user

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The University of Notre Dame Australia :: EzProxy Login

# data[].attributes.body
Thesis statement:  Even though many counties don't have the infrastructure to fight global warming, climate change is a global issue that needs international solutions from Australia and the China. Since additional efforts need to be made to stop climate change globally. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What the Australian public thinks about climate change matters. While the work of proactive businesses, governments and activists is important, public opinion ultimately creates the environment in which climate action can occur. Politicians won't take strong climate action if the public will vote them out for it, businesses won't take strong climate action unless there are markets for their products and services and activists that don't bring the public with them risk being marginalised.

So, I've compiled a list of the key resources I'm aware of that investigate Australian public opinion on climate change. I will continue to update and add to this over time, so if you are aware of other resources, please get in touch!

Overview

In 2011, Zoe Leviston and colleagues at CSIRO did a review of Australian's views on climate change for the Garnaut Review. Surveys and polls of public opinion ask questions in different ways, which makes direct comparison between results difficult. Nevertheless, Leviston et al. found a general pattern in the results.

First, a majority of Australians do accept that the climate is changing. The proportion of Australians accepting the reality of a changing climate is typically between 70 and 90% in the different studies they reviewed. In the most recent CSIRO survey in 2014, the proportion was 78% and in Climate Institute polling in 2016 it was 77%.

Second, a smaller majority believes that climate change is mainly caused by humans. This figure varies more widely and was between 45 and 75% in different studies. The pie chart below is from the most recent CSIRO survey, undertaken in 2014. It shows that 46% of Australians think that climate change is happening and that humans are largely causing it. Another 39% think that climate change is happening but is caused by natural fluctuations rather than humans. Almost 8% do not think that the climate is changing and the rest are unsure.

Third, concern about climate change has gone through peaks and troughs over time. This is best illustrated with the following chart from the annual Lowy Institute Poll, which has tracked concern about global warming in Australia over time. In 2006, almost 70% of Australians agreed that global warming was a serious and pressing problem and they showed willingness to take action even if significant costs were involved. The proportion fell over time to a low of less than 40% in 2012, before recovering over the last four years, although not yet to the peaks of 2006.

Below, I provide brief summaries of some of the key resources available on climate opinion in Australia. Sadly, two of these sources are no longer continuing - the CSIRO surveys ended in 2014 and the Climate Institute is shutting its doors due to lack of funds in 2017.

Annual CSIRO Surveys of Australian Attitudes to Climate Change

First conducted in 2010, this annual survey ran for five years, finishing in 2014. CSIRO surveyed a total of 17,493 Australians, including 269 people that completed all five surveys. The survey asked about attitudes to climate change, behaviours, people's projections about climate change and sense of vulnerability, and what they think others think about climate change. The survey also tracked changes over time. The final report covering the five surveys is available here.

One of the most interesting aspects of this ongoing research is that it reveals the inaccurate views Australians hold about the rest of the public. Fewer than 8% of respondents believed that climate change was not happening at all, but these respondents estimated that almost 50% of the Australian public would share their view. Indeed, there was a general tendency to overestimate the prevalence of the view that climate change is not happening, with Australians on average predicting that 23% would have this view. This may reflect the media's tendency to present climate change as a matter of debate and conflict rather than settled scientific consensus.

Lowy Institute Poll

The Lowy Institute conducts an annual poll on a range of issues related to Australia's place in the world. The poll has been running for 12 years and includes a small number of questions about climate change. The poll provides annual data since 2006, showing changes in concern about climate change in the Australian public over time. The polling data shows a clear decline in concern between 2006 and 2012, before a rebound in concern from 2013 to 2016.

In addition to the longitudinal summary provided above, the most recent poll asked about opinions on fossil fuels, as shown below. There are some interesting contradictions in the responses. While 88% of Australians see fossil fuels as being in decline and want investment in alternative energy, 66% of Australians think we should continue to export coal to developing countries and 53% think we should continue to use our abundant supply of fossil fuels. It is difficult to reconcile these views.

Climate of the Nation

The Climate Institute has conducted research on Australian attitudes to climate change, related policies and solutions since 2007. The Climate of the Nation reports have evolved over time to provide a rich multimedia resource on public opinion. I wrote about the 2012 release previously on this site. The report is accompanied by fact sheets, info graphics and VoxPop videos of people on the street talking about climate change.

The most recent report, in 2016, found that 77% of Australians believe climate change is occurring. A chart of these views over time, and a summary of the 2016 findings, are provided below.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Public opinion on climate change in Australia - Planetcentric

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What the Australian public thinks about climate change matters. While the work of proactive businesses, governments and activists is important, public opinion ultimately creates the environment in which climate action can occur.