A new report from Ipsos MORI includes data on public opinion about the causes of climate change from twenty nations — and the United States led the world in the rate of climate change denial, as assessed by answers to two questions.
The United States and India were tied, at 52%, for agreement with "The climate change we are currently seeing is a natural phenomenon that happens from time to time," with China closely following at 51%. Only 34% of Swedes, 26% of South Koreans, and 22% of Japanese agreed.
The United States was first, at 32%, for disagreement with "The climate change we are currently seeing is largely the result of human activity," with Australia second at 25% and Russia and Great Britain tied for third at 24%. Only 12% of Spaniards, 9% of Argentinians, and 5% of Chinese disagreed.
The data are from the Global Trends Survey, conducted online September 3-17 and October 1-15, 2013, in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Great Britain, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and the United States of America.
According to Ipsos, "Approximately 1000+ individuals were surveyed in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Spain, Great Britain and the United States of America. Approximately 500+ individuals were surveyed in Argentina, Belgium, Poland, Russia, [South Africa], South Korea, Sweden and Turkey."
Ipsos added, "Data are weighted to balance demographics and ensure that the sample's composition reflects that of the adult population according to the most recent country Census data, and to provide results intended to approximate the sample universe."