Global warming never polls very well compared to other issues, such as the economy or the Iraq war. But a new study shows it doesn’t rank that high even compared to other environmental issues. Despite all the hoopla about global warming, it ranks below eight other environmental concerns and is even losing ground on the list of environmental issues, according to a new Gallup poll released today. The survey asked Americans to gauge their level of concern about 12 environmental issues, ranging from water and land pollution, to global warming and acid rain. “Global warming” ranked ninth on the list. Water pollution and safety–like clean drinking water, keeping lakes and rivers uncontaminated, and maintaining fresh water for household needs–all ranked above global climate concerns. Gallup also asked about these same issues in 2007. Every environmental issue in the survey generates slightly less concern in 2008 compared to last year. And global warming witnesses the second-largest decline. Maybe more Americans are beginning to realize that climate change is a “global issue,” requiring a thoughtful, balanced response, while water issues are somewhat more manageable right here at home. Tell Al Gore all politics is local!
