Is climate change really that important to Australians?

The 2007 Australian Survey of Social Attitudes is analysed to examine three questions: how important is global warming and climate change vis a vis other environmental issues in Australia? To what extent is support for environmental issues socially circumscribed and how willing are Australians to act to address environmental problems, as opposed to merely expressing concern?

Australians are more concerned about the drought than any other environmental issue, with concerns high in both cities and rural areas. Environmental issues receive stronger support from leftwing, postmaterialists, those who engage in eastern spiritual practices and professionals, although tertiary education is a less reliable indicator. Men are less likely than women to favour environmental protection over economic growth, and to pay extra tax to protect the environment, while ceteris paribus, intention to pay more for renewable energy is stronger among younger cohorts, suggesting support for non-fossil fuel based energy will increase with generational replacement.