Global Warming Slipping as Priority to Americans, Says Pew Poll

Only 30% of American voters view global warming as "a top priority," finds a new Pew Research Center poll that was released last week, compared with 35% in 2008.  "Protecting the environment" also fell from 56% in 2008 to only 41% today. A recent New York Times article suggests that the poll's finding are "at odds" with President Obama's commitment taking swift action to curb climate change. But a number of USCAN-talk participants were quick to point out that the poll question separates "global warming," "the environment," "energy" and "the economy" even though many Americans view these as interrelated issues. Recent polls commissioned for Pew Charitable Trusts support this notion, finding that voters overwhelmingly believe the economy will strengthen as the country becomes more dependent on alternative energy sources.