Sharp decline on global warming believers might suggest partisanship, cost concerns

Americans are becoming increasingly doubtful about whether global warming evidence exists, according to a Pew Research Center poll released Thursday. Based on the findings, 57 percent believe there is solid evidence the world is getting warmer – a sharp drop from 71 percent in April 2008.

The survey, titled "Fewer Americans See Solid Evidence of Global Warming,” says the decline crosses all party lines, but it is particularly pronounced among independents. Among them, 53 percent now believe global warming exists, compared with 75 percent in April 2008.

Among Republicans, 35 percent see solid evidence of global warming – down 14 percent from 2008. Seventy-five percent of Democrats said they see that level of evidence for global warming – just down 8 percent from the previous year.

Does this poll suggest that there is growing partisan split on global warming? Are Republicans saying no where Democrats are saying yes? Are independents split? Or are more people just concerned about the cost to deploy the technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

Clearly, the poll shows an increased polarization of public attitudes based on party ID. But there are other dynamics in play.

Andrew Kohut, the director of the research center, told the Associated Press that concerns about the economy are also driving opinions on this issue: "The priority that people give to pollution and environmental concerns and a whole host of other issues is down because of the economy and because of the focus on other things.”

Pew surveyed 1,500 adults between Sept. 30 and Oct. 4.

We agree that there are both “certainties” and “uncertainties” when it comes to the science about climate change. But we’ve also said that any remaining uncertainties are not a reason to avoid action. With advances in technology, we can reduce emissions and maintain access to affordable, reliable energy from coal.

That’s why we support a bill that would reduce emissions by bringing new technologies to the marketplace; drive down the cost of deploying these technologies to ensure access to affordable, reliable electricity; promote the use of American coal and other domestic fuels; and protect existing jobs and create new ones.