Climate Change is Sleeper Issue

Canberra, take note: climate change is what terrifies us

By Peter Hartcher
Political Editor
Sydney Morning Herald
October 3, 2006

THIS year's Lowy Institute poll reveals Australian concern over global warming to be the big "sleeper" issue of national affairs, a problem that worries Australians more than Islamic fundamentalism.

Australian public convictions on climate change have crept up on our political leaders and have now overtaken them. The political party that can best respond will harness a powerful force.

As the institute's executive director, Allan Gyngell, observes, "this has become mainstream; it's no longer just an issue for Greens and people dressed up in koala suits".The annual Lowy Institute poll exposes three clear Australian conclusions about climate change. There is no ambiguity or hesitation on this issue any longer, with the "don't know" responses down to an unusually low 1 per cent.

First, this is a very big issue: 68 per cent of respondents rate it as a "critical threat" to Australia's vital interests over the next 10 years.This puts it in the top three perceived threats to the country, with international terrorism at 73 per cent and the danger of hostile nations acquiring nuclear weapons at 70 per cent, and ahead of Islamic fundamentalism, at 60 per cent, and competition from low-wage countries at 34 per cent.

Second, doubt about whether or not global warming is "real" has been virtually eliminated in the public mind. Only 7 per cent of respondents want to wait "until we are sure" before taking action to deal with the problem, even if that action entails costs.The third and most powerful finding is that Australians are already braced for the idea that there will be costs involved in finding solutions.

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