You choose how will it end?

Over the years, the Earth's climate has changed - some say drastically. While the question - why? - remains an open one, scientists generally agree that temperatures have warmed and sea levels have risen.

Enter global warming or the idea that air pollution that is collecting in the atmosphere is trapping the Sun's heat and causing the Earth to warm up.

Nine in 10 UAE residents believe that global warming is "real". Nine in 10 also feel that it is a cause of concern. Age is a factor and the older the respondent, the more likely he/she believes in the growing phenomenon with 98 per cent of respondents over 40 years old saying they firmly believe in it.

That is one of the main conclusions from our latest Gulf News survey undertaken by YouGov-Siraj whereby 539 residents expressed their views on the environment and voiced their main concerns. (Of the total, 59 per cent were Asians, 30 per cent were Arabs, and 8 per cent were Westerners).

Overwhelmingly, UAE residents believe carbon dioxide emissions are the primary cause of global warming. This is especially the case amongst Western respondents (with nearly 5 out of 10 saying so).

Industrial activities are thought to be the second main cause of global warming; interestingly, the number of Arab respondents who feel this way is double the number of Western and Asian respondents. Greenhouse effect is a distant third cause, according to our respondents.

Large businesses, modern lifestyle, and lack of protective policies are what 50 per cent of the total survey blame for the rise in global warming. Emirati respondents are notable for a significantly higher proportion of uncertainty - three times the average.

But when it comes to regions, who takes the blame? An overwhelming majority feel developed countries are to blame. This is followed loosely by developing countries. UAE residents point the finger at the US in particular for this problem.

There are options as far as taking action against the spread of global warming is concerned. Seven out of 10 UAE residents advocate international protocols as a required measure. Research and development are also welcomed by half the respondents.

Another popular response is to focus on individual responsibility. Interestingly, Asians are significantly more likely to advocate individual responsibility, particularly compared to Arabs (other than Emiratis).

How much difference can the individual make? Nearly 8 out of 10 residents feel that action by the individual can make a difference. Western respondents are again notable for a significantly more despondent outlook, particularly compared to Asians.

This leads us to the next question: Was the Oscar-winning Al Gore documentary "an inconvenient truth" a helpful contribution to this debate? Rather predictably, an overwhelming majority of Westerners and those over 40 years old feel it has been very helpful.

However, 6 out of 10 Emirati respondents and those under 30 years old are uncertain of the film's broader impact. Indeed awareness of the film is low at an overall level.

But the majority of UAE residents say they would make a conscious effort to combat global warming (8 out of 10) - although a discrepancy is evident between the willingness of respondents aged 30 and below and those over 40.

Furthermore, UAE residents are optimistic in that they feel there is a strong chance of finding a credible solution in the near future. On the other hand, 41 per cent of respondents feel the problem will take a long time to resolve. Despondency is significantly more pronounced among Westerners.

Local impact

Nearly 8 out of 10 respondents believe that global warming has impacted the UAE. This belief is particularly strongly held amongst Asian respondents and those above 40 years old.

What is the reason behind this? Traffic congestion is seen as the primary culprit, followed by industrialisation and lack of individual awareness.

Our respondents feel that current UAE efforts to combat global warming are insufficient. This view is significantly held by over 9 in 10 Western respondents.

However, respondents say this could be reversed by having a greater number of recycling facilities. Constant monitoring and updating of the laws here are also heavily suggested.

But the good news is that individuals are more than willing to help. That is, 9 out of 10 respondents say they would be willing to make a lifestyle change to protect the environment.

This is also reflected in our recent Gulf News poll in relation to the news story that supermarkets will start charging for plastic bags. Thirty per cent of our Gulf News online readers said they would use an alternative to plastic bags and 25 per cent said they would use them less.

According to our survey, older respondents are more eager to help in comparison to younger ones. Alas, when it comes to money, some feelings are reversed; far fewer UAE residents would be willing to incur a higher cost of living for the same purpose. But the intention is very much there.

Don't toss all the blame on the US, every nation and all races are responsible for taking care of our planet, we still have time to save the planet.
allan raymond barbastro
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 07, 2008, 11:16

Are you willing to incur a higher cost of living to fight global warming???? I would like to know, if, when this question is put forward to the public, if the thought of a raise put forward to their boss too?
Michelle
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 07, 2008, 09:23

Global Warming and Global dimness are both very dangerous to mankind. I feel that the majority of the world population are not aware of the aftermath of these life threatening phenomanon.
Subair Ibrahim
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: February 07, 2008, 08:21