SAN FRANCISCO – (INT) - Nearly two-thirds of Californians say global warming’s effects have already begun.

The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) says its latest poll reiterates what Californians have been saying since 2005.

Majorities across regions and age, education, and income groups hold this view.

An overwhelming majority of Californians (81%) view global warming as a very serious or somewhat serious threat to the state’s future economy and quality of life.

While three in four Democrats say the effects of global warming have already begun, only 43% of Republicans say so. Indeed, one in four Republicans say the effects will never happen.

In PPIC surveys since 2006, strong majorities of
Californians have favored the state’s landmark law limiting greenhouse gas emissions. Last July, 68% said they favored the more ambitious goals set by Senate Bill 32. In general, two in three Californians favor state efforts, independent of the federal government, to address global warming, while 26% are opposed.

Story Date: January 29, 2017