As the federal government prepares to release its post-2020 pollution reduction target a new poll shows nearly two-thirds of Australians think the issue should be taken more seriously.
The 63 per cent result in the Climate of the Nation 2015 survey for the Climate Institute, released on Monday, is a six per cent increase on last year.
Gen Y is still the most vocal, with 70 per cent of those aged 18-34 holding the view.
The poll of more than 1000 people conducted by Galaxy also shows support for renewable energy on the rise, with 84 per cent preferring solar among their top three energy sources, followed by wind.
Support for gas and nuclear energy is down, both falling seven points to 21 per cent and 13 per cent respectively.
But not all are critical of the government's policies.
Nearly half of those surveyed agreed with the statement that the ALP's carbon policies would "just increase electricity prices and not do much about pollution". With the coalition due to unveil its future target, 51 per cent of people surveyed said it should be based on science rather than what other countries were doing.
The institute's chief executive John Connor said support for regulating and limiting carbon pollution was very strong, with two in three agreeing governments need to regulate carbon pollution.
"The government and the opposition have an opportunity to join mainstream Australian attitudes with climate commitments and policies, which can limit carbon pollution, encourage renewable energy and clean up our energy system," he said in a statement.
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