Forty-seven percent (47%) of American adults say that Global Warming is a Very Serious problem. A Rasmussen Reports telephone survey found that another 26% say it is Somewhat Serious.

Perceptions of the issue divide sharply along generational lines. Among those 40 and older, just 39% believe Global Warming is a Very Serious problem. Fifty-one percent (51%) of thirty-somethings consider Global Warming Very Serious, a number that rises to 62% among adults under 30.

Forty-seven percent (47%) believe human activity is primarily to blame for Global Warming while 34% believe long-term planetary trends are the culprit. Most Democrats blame human activity while most Republicans blame long-term trends. Younger adults are more likely than their elders to blame human activity.

Reaction to a new advocacy commercial highlights these partisan and generational differences. The ad begins with a tribute to the nation’s past successes which generates a positive response from all viewers. However, when Global Warming is mentioned, the divide begins. An earlier survey found that just 34% believe Global Warming can be stopped.

While Global Warming is seen by nearly half the nation as a Very Serious problem, the economy has emerged as the top issue of Election 2008. Forty-two percent (42%) of Americans say there is a conflict between economic growth and environmental protection. Twenty-nine percent (29%) disagree and say there is no conflict while another 29% are not sure. The perception of a conflict cuts across most partisan and demographic lines.

Twenty-nine percent (29%) currently believe the federal government is doing a good or excellent job protecting the environment. Thirty-two percent (32%) give them credit for doing a fair job while 33% give the federal government poor marks in this arena.

Thirty-one percent (31%) consider Al Gore an expert on Global Warming. That figure includes 48% of Democrats,12% of Republicans, and 27% of those not affiliated with either major party.

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