November, 11 2008, 12:23pm EDT
Poll: Majority of Americans Want Action on Climate to Rebuild US Economy
Most Want Economic Rebuilding Paid for With Carbon Auction, Not Taxes or Debt
WASHINGTON
According to new post-election poll results
released today by Environmental Defense Fund, a majority of Americans
say that given the current economic crisis, now is the time to address
climate change -- because investing in clean energy will create
millions of new jobs and rebuild the economy.
The survey, conducted by respected
Democratic pollster Douglas E. Schoen, also found that two-thirds of
Americans think investments in economic stimulus should be funded with
revenue from large companies paying for the global warming pollution
they emit - rather than tax hikes or more borrowing that increases the
national debt.
"The public thinks there's not a minute to waste," said Steve Cochran, national climate campaign director at EDF. "They want economic revitalization and action to address global warming to go together, and they want it paid for."
The national survey was conducted on
the evening of November 4th. Its goal was to measure public support for
climate change legislation amid a time of economic recession and in
anticipation of a new President and Congress.
Full results are available online at edf.org/electiondaypoll. Key findings include:
- Fifty-eight
percent of respondents said investments in new, clean energy could
create millions of new jobs, so now is the time to address climate
change.
- Sixty-six
percent said that Congress should fund economic stimulus with revenue
generated from large companies that pay for the global warming
pollution they create, rather than new taxes or more borrowing.
- Over
three-quarters said it is important to address the problem of global
warming, and half of the sample says that the issues of oil addiction
and economic problems need to be addressed together.
The poll, conducted by telephone with
a random sample of the American population, asked voters about the
election, as well as a specific series of questions about environmental
issues, climate change, and some of the tradeoffs facing the new
administration. The margin of error for this poll is +/- 3.5%.
Environmental Defense Fund's mission is to preserve the natural systems on which all life depends. Guided by science and economics, we find practical and lasting solutions to the most serious environmental problems. We work to solve the most critical environmental problems facing the planet. This has drawn us to areas that span the biosphere: climate, oceans, ecosystems and health. Since these topics are intertwined, our solutions take a multidisciplinary approach. We work in concert with other organizations -- as well as with business, government and communities -- and avoid duplicating work already being done effectively by others.
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During a Thursday U.S. State Department press conference in Washington, D.C., a reporter noted Gaza officials' claim that mass grave victims "including children were tortured before being killed" and that "some even showed signs of being buried alive, along with other crimes against humanity."
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It is time that the international community gets serious about tackling inequality and financing global public goods. One of the key instruments that governments have for promoting more equality is tax policy. Not only does it have the potential to increase the fiscal space governments have to invest in social protection, education, and climate protection. Designed in a progressive way, it also ensures that everyone in society contributes to the common good in line with their ability to pay. A fair share contribution enhances social welfare.
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Except the billionaires, of course. "I don't want to be naive. I know the superrich will fight," Zucman added. "They have a hatred of taxes on wealth. They will lobby governments. They will use the media they own."
A few months ago, no one wanted to talk int. taxes, let alone on the super rich. Now we have a process (#G20), finance ministers (\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddf7 \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7 \ud83c\uddff\ud83c\udde6 \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8 & others) supporting it, \ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddea in part & everyone agreeing that proceeds should help fund climate and dev: https://t.co/ZldF557pAL— (@)
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