Conducted by the Chicago Council on Global Public Affairs and World Public Opinion, the survey includes China, India, the U.S., Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Ukraine, Poland, Iran, Mexico, South Korea, Philippines, Australia, Argentina, Peru, Israel, Armenia and the Palistinian territories.

Twelve countries were asked whether steps should be taken to combat climate change and a majority in all but one favored action. The largest majorities favoring action were 92 per cent in Australia, 83 per cent in China and Israel and 80 per cent in the U.S., the world’s largest producer of greenhouse gases.

In Australia, Argentina, Israel, the U.S. and Armenia, the majority wanted steps taken now even if it involves significant cost. Respondents were evenly divided in China and Russia, while in Philippines, Thailand, Poland, Ukraine and India, people believe global warming is gradual so low-cost measures are sufficient.