Tax to Combat Global Warming?

A recent survey, reported in the 21 November 1997 issue of the Des Moines Register, found that nearly 3 of every 4 Americans (73%) would be willing to pay 5 cents more per gallon of gasoline to help suppress possible global warming effects of carbon dioxide. Sixty percent would pay up to 25 cents per gallon if motorists in other countries did the same. Only 19% believed developing nations should be allowed to have less restriction than the US. Most respondents did not consider global warming as serious as air and water pollution, with only about 25% saying they worry about it a lot. In a ranking of environmental concerns, pollution of rivers and lakes ranked highest (61%), toxic wastes second (59%), air pollution third (47%), and loss of natural wildlife habitat fourth (46%). This poll, a nationwide sample of 1,200 adults, by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press during the period of 12-16 November 1997 has an error of +/- 4.5%.

Eugene S. Takle
21 November 1997