Water our top climate change worry: poll

17 Dec 2009, 2:44 pm   -   Source: AAP
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A new poll shows 89 per cent of Australians believe drought and water shortages are the most pressing environmental concerns, over pollution and damage to wildlife. (AAP)

A new poll shows 89 per cent of Australians believe drought and water shortages are the most pressing environmental concerns, over pollution and damage to wildlife. (AAP)

Recent heatwaves and this summer's hotter-than-expected weather are believed to have pushed water to the top of Australia's climate change concerns.

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Recent heatwaves and this summer's hotter-than-expected weather are believed to have pushed water to the top of Australia's climate change concerns.

A new poll shows 89 per cent of Australians believe drought and water shortages are the most pressing environmental concerns, over pollution and damage to wildlife.

But it seems we're getting blase about climate change in general.

In 2007, 91 per cent of us said we were concerned about it, compared to 71 per cent in 2009.

The Living LOHAS study - an annual report on community attitudes to sustainability - took in the views of 2,012 Australians.

Andy Baker, of Mobium Group, which compiled the data, said increasing concern about water showed people were worried about things that had a direct impact on their lives.

"With climate change and the environment taking centre stage at Copenhagen, and signs pointing to a long, hot summer, concern for issues like drought and water shortage has returned to the fore," he said.

"These figures show concern peaks when people are asked or forced to make sacrifices, like using less water or paying more for electricity."

The challenge for regulators was how to engage the community on more general environmental issues they couldn't see, feel or hear, he said.

Nearly three out of four respondents believed climate change was a factor in extreme weather events, such as the Victorian bushfires - and in another positive sign, 75 per cent said they'd be OK with a higher cost of living and lifestyle changes as long as it meant real action on climate change.

Consumer spending on healthier and sustainable products increased by a third from $12 billion in 2007 to $19 billion this year, the study found.

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