The Swiss Get It

For a country known for its neutrality, it appears the Swiss are ready to take on at least one imposing enemy, global warming. An opinion poll by the Isomar Institute surveyed 1001 people in Switzerland between January 31 and February 3, 2007 and had some interesting findings.

• More than 80 percent of Swiss people are ready to use their car less and to pay more for alternative energy to fight climate change.
• 67 percent said they believed humans were solely to blame for global warming and 63 percent found that climate change was a threat to humanity’s survival.
• 88 percent said they were ready to make their own personal contribution to cutting carbon emissions.
• 85 percent would pay more for alternative energy.
• 81 percent would drive their car less.
• 68 percent would travel less by air and 63 percent were prepared to pay a surcharge when they fly.
• 65 percent felt their government was doing too little at the moment.

I believe any similar poll taken in the United States would find a country divided. Public opinion on climate change is indeed shifting toward the realization that global warming is a serious threat. If we are willing to (or will even be asked to) sacrifice or make any meaningful effort to reduce our individual carbon footprint, is another issue entirely.

A Democratic Congress will do some saber-rattling and hopefully resuscitate EPA emissions guidelines that the oil-friendly current administration has avoided enforcing. Congress will also push for the development of new energy technologies and more stringent emissions standards for cars. But will they ultimately judge the American people as having the same resolve and willingness to sacrifice that this recent poll indicates the Swiss have?

If past history is any indicator of future behavior Congress will do a nice little dance around the global warming issue but not pass any legislation that could be perceived as a “tax” or an economic hardship by the voting public. Kind of like the minuet they’re doing on the Iraq war.

I hope I’m wrong.

More on the Swiss Climate poll @ Yahoo News