<< countries, more people cite priorities. It still worries people,
China than the US as one of the however. Most people in most of
Most do not
two or three main influences on the countries we surveyed
expect normal
global growth (though a fair disagree with the view that
number of people in most ‘climate change does not affect
growth to resume
countries cite both). me’: Egypt and Saudi Arabia are
until 2010. The
The two exceptions are the exceptions.
Czech Republic (where 69 per But worry has its limits.
exception is Egypt.
cent say the US and 60 per cent In none of the 14 countries
China) and Norway (where the are a majority willing to pay
US at 64 per cent, and China at more for their transport in order
63 per cent, are effectively in to fund research into new
joint first place). technologies to control climate
In some countries, the gulf change.
between China and the US is The countries where the
vast. 71 per cent of Germans largest numbers are willing to
think China will be one of the pay this are Chile, Finland and
top influences on global growth, Denmark (all 44 per cent) and
double the 36 per cent who Sweden (41 per cent).
name the US. The figure for the US is,
Russia, on 38 per cent, perhaps surprisingly, well above
actually pips the US as the average, with 37 per cent willing
country Germans think will to pay more; but US attitudes
shape the world economy in the are strongly polarised, with 26
years ahead. per cent – more than in any
That perhaps reflects the other country – strongly
economic impact of the new, opposed to paying more (and a
post-cold-war Europe on further 15 per cent tending to
German jobs, business and oppose extra transport costs).
political outlook. If President Obama wishes
Europe generally lags a little to transform America’s
behind China and the US as a policies on climate change,
perceived influence – except in he will undoubtedly face
the Middle East and domestic opposition.
Scandinavia, where the But he may surprise some
‘eurozone countries’ are people with the number of
reckoned to have a significant supporters he attracts to a
impact on global growth. radical strategy.
Long-term challenge
In these straightened times, it
would not be surprising if one of
the greatest long-term
challenges facing the planet Peter Kellner is president
–climate change –starts
and head of Political and
slipping down the list of people’s
Social Research, YouGov.
22 January/February 2009
www.dmi-news.com
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