SAN FRANCISCO - (INT) - A solid majority of Californians believe that global warming is already having an impact, and nearly two-thirds of residents say it has contributed to the state's current drought, according to a statewide survey by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC).

Sixty-two percent of Californians say the effects of global warming have begun, while 24 percent believe it will happen in the future. Just 10 percent say the effects will never happen.

Democrats (73%) and independents (65%) are far more likely than Republicans (37%) to say global warming's effects have begun. Notably, 31 percent of Republicans say they will never happen. Across racial/ethnic groups, Latinos (69%) are the most likely to say the effects have already begun.

Meantime, Governor Brown and state policymakers are seeking to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Story Date: August 6, 2015