Australians' concern over cliamate chage climbs

Australians are more concerned than ever about climate change. That's according to a poll by policy think-tank the Australia Institute, which surveyed more than a thousand people on issues relating to climate change and bushfires.

Protesters hold placards during a climate change rally in Sydney. Source: AAP

With Australia in the grip of an unprecedented bushfire crisis, the Climate of the Nation poll shows attitudes towards climate change have been influenced by the stark reality of this summer's weather conditions.

The poll found that 79 per cent of Australians are concerned about climate change, up five per cent from July 2019.

It also found that nearly half of Australians are "very concerned" - up 10 per cent.

Seventy-three per cent say "leadership on the bushfire response requires the Prime Minister to lead on climate change action".

Ebony Bennett is the deputy director of the Australia Institute, which conducted the poll.