Do the american citizens want to make an effort to reduce global warming ?

Question

I am not an american but I heard the american government refused categorically to reduce air pollution in their economy. So I wonder if the american citizen are aware of the great danger of global warming, or if you think it's bullshit. Do you care personally or do you think as your government does ?

Sorry for my english.

Regards.

@Yvonne, that's why I come here to ask people directly. I don't trust TV, especially french TV (yes, I am french) when they talk about america because french have a lot of cliches about you.

Very interesting, thank you everyone.

Answer 1

Yes. Just like most of the people in the world. Don't judge the US by what a few noisy "skeptics" here say. Here's the data:

http://www.worldpublicopinion.org/pipa/articles/home_page/412.php?lb=hmpg1&pnt=412&nid=&id=

The US is doing a lot at the State and local level.

"Republican governors team up against global warming"

http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Republican_Governors_team_up_against_Global_0716.html

"Environmental Leaders Hail Midwest Governor’s Historic Agreement On Reducing Global Warming Pollution"

http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=110603

"At a time when the federal government is failing to act, these local leaders are moving America toward a safer and more secure future."

http://coolcities.us/

The President is a captive of the fossil fuel industry. The Federal government has muzzled global warming scientists, censored official government reports, toned down the IPCC summaries, and stands against the world.

That will change 20 January 2009. Sorry that you have to wait.

Answer 2

As Dr. Jello said, it is a multi-billion dollar industry and one that employs me. America is a leader in developing the technology of cleaning the environment. Pollution and the global warming debate are completely different. Nobody wants to smell pollution in the air or have dirty water. The danger from global warming is exaggerated. If you don't believe me, ask yourself if you have ever heard any positive thing that might result from so called global warming. A child could come up with some yet these alarmist never do. The reason is because they are pushing an agenda that has nothing to do with protecting the environment. If you are wise, you will be skeptical of what they say.

Answer 3

Bob, gave an excellent posting on your question. Yes --- most Americans do not like pollution or anything that harms the environment. As someone already posted this is already a multi-billion dollar industry in the USA.

Additionally you need to factor in the SIZE of the US Economy and the SIZE of the USA geographically, when compared to the entire European region. SIX - (6) Polands can fit INSIDE the state of Texas. (for example) so you must factor that against some of the RAW percentage data. Yes we contribute, with our large Economy, a higher percentage of CO2--- but we also BUY and CONSUME a larger share of the world's goods and services-- the USA is one of the "engines" contributing to trade and a higher standard of living throughout the world.

We also contribute MORE in dollars to humanitarian aid to the world than anyone else. Which again raises the standard of living in poorer regions of the world. We also DEFINITELY do not like other countries dictating to us what we should and should not do---- especially countries like China, Russia, certain parts of central and eastern Europe, many parts of the middle East and the Far East, that have a LONG WAY to go to even EQUAL the environmental initiatives we have already accomplished inside the USA.

Answer 4

You hear wrong. First, the U.S. has probably done more to reduce pollution than any other country. Secondly, it is not that we refuse to reduce green house gas emissions, it is that we refuse to be bound by restrictions set by other countries that may or may not have our best interests at heart.

As members of a free society with a tradition of respecting differing opinions, you will find that the U.S. citizenry holds a variety of opinions on global warming. From extreme concern with a call for Draconian action now (articulated well by Vice President Gore). To complete skepticism as to the validity of the dire predictions made by people who may have a hidden agenda. The vast majority fall in between these extremes, with most probably believing that it's just not that big of a deal and there are more important things to worry about.

Answer 5

I am an American. Some Americans don't care but some do. America does want to reduce emissions, but does not want to be ordered to do so by other countries. I think I share the views of many who are really alarmed at how China can be increasing its emissions every year at a MUCH faster rate that the U.S. but still not have the world telling it to make reductions. All this while American workers are loosing jobs and manufacturing is ending in the U.S. because China can make the same things using unsafe and highly polluting factories that would be illegal in the U.S. because of safety and pollution laws, and then they sell the products cheaply in the U.S. in competition with the more expensive, but cleaner and safer U.S.factories.

Answer 6

First of all, historically, the US has progressively become a cleaner, eco-friendlier developed nation in the last 30-40 years.

China is building 2 dirty coal-burning plants a week. The rainforests are disappearing. And we have no control what other countries are spewing into the ocean.

When we do drill for oil domestically, it is costly and technically very difficult because the EPA standards are so stringent. Sure, there are flaws and mistakes are made. But America is not the BIG Polluter that some would make you believe.

Answer 7

I think the whole "Global Warming" thing is a completely fabricated socialist political movement.

Climate change may exist, but there is nothing we can do to affect it one way or another.

I think we are all being lied to. There are many scientist who feel as I do, and they are being categorically silenced by the 'movement'.

Now, I do feel we need to reduce pollution and find clean sources of energy, but giving up our earned superiority in the world is not the way to do it.

Global Warming, in my opinion, is much less of a threat to me and my society than the savage, violent and brutal cancer in this world that is IslamFascism.

Now, if you wanted us to all get together and do something about that one, then I'm with you.

Answer 8

Here in Answers it appears that the majority of Americans do not care about Nature or the Future of their children ,
they feel it is their God given right to milk the Environment for all its got ,

The overall propaganda is on the side of those who want to exploit the wilderness instead of preserving it.
the focus is on Global control not Global warming.

The Government reflects that attitude .
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AiKImCsne9ukDPxmAsJ.TuLsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20070618163201AAyuI69

the consensus is why bother to be green because we cannot change Global Warming anyway,

They forget that Nature and Mankind are interrelated,
there is a lot we can do about being frugal with Natural resources ,and behave more responsible ,

considering each year another 70.million more people are around to eat,drink ,destroy and contaminate

But one cannot judge the USA by Yahoo Answers.

Answer 9

The majority of American people honestly do not care about global warming. It's a big problem for us as humans, but I think the government only cares about making money. As long as these factories are up and running and any other pollution problem that we have; if the government is making that money, they don't give a ****. American citizens don't care either, if they have material items, they could care less for the enviroment. but one person is... Al Gore, former vice president for the united states. But instead we elected president dumbshit bush that does nothing for the americans.
just remember ...money, money, money.

Answer 10

I don't believe in Global Warming. It's just another political ploy. The Earth has been cooling and warming for millions of years. I do recycle and volunteer in my community, for I want this world to be a better place for every one. Not just americans, but for people everywhere in the world. U.S citizens in general are very generous, giving people. Don't believe everything you read in the newspaper or hear on TV. (Especially words from any politicians. They all lie, no matter what country they represent)