More than half Australians want strong action on climate change

M

ore than 60% of Australians support strong action on climate change, according to a survey by the Lowy Institute ahead of the Paris climate summit.

One of the reasons that politics and
 public opinion are finally lining up
- taken at the Melbourne People's
Climate March on November 27.

With opposition leader Bill Shorten having added his voice to those calling for deeper cuts than Australia’s current target, the government could pledge stronger action in Paris without significant political damage at home.

The poll underlines the continuing upward trend in public concern about climate change, which has been evident since 2012. That year marked a low point in public concern, corresponding with the entry into force of Australia’s “carbon tax”.

Read the piece on The Conversation by Associate Professor of International Relations at The University of Queensland, Matt McDonald - “Is this the moment that climate politics and public opinion finally match up?”