Pew Global Warming Poll Shows Increasing Skepticism

Only one third of U.S. adults believe global warming is occurring and humans are the primary driver, reports a newly released poll from the Pew Research Center. The 34 percent of respondents saying that global warming is occurring and humans are the primary is the lowest number yet recorded in Pew’s annual poll.

Fully 32 percent of respondents said the planet is not warming, 9 percent said they don’t know whether or not the planet is warming, 18 percent said the planet is warming but is doing so primarily because of natural patterns, and 6 percent believe the planet is warming but don’t know whether human activity or natural forces are the primary factor.

The Pew poll also found a record low 32 percent of U.S. adults believe global warming is a very serious problem.

Less than half of respondents – 46 percent – agreed that global warming is a problem requiring immediate government action.Among the related issues polled, 51 percent favor more offshore drilling for oil and natural gas, while 41 percent are opposed. Among Independents, 48 percent favor more offshore drilling and 41 percent oppose.

By a narrow 45 percent to 44 percent margin the public favors the increased use of nuclear power