(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most Canadian adults believe climate change is a reality, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 77 per cent of respondents are convinced that global warming is happening, 21 per cent think it may be occurring, and only two per cent flatly reject it.

In addition, 69 per cent of respondents think the science behind climate change estimates is real, while 12 per cent deem it as "junk" and 19 per cent are not sure.

The term global warming refers to an increase of the Earth's average temperature. Some theories say that climate change might be the result of human-generated carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. 47 per cent of respondents think global warming will significantly impact their own life and the life of future generations, while 42 per cent think it will not significantly impact their lives, but the lives of future generations.

In 1998, several countries agreed to the Kyoto Protocol, a proposed amendment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The agreement commits nations to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Canada is one of more than 150 nations that have ratified the revised agreement, which came into effect in February 2005.

During his time in opposition, current prime minister and Conservative leader Stephen Harper criticized the inclusion of funds for the "fatally flawed" Kyoto Protocol in the federal budget. Harper took over as head of government in February 2006.

Earlier this week, the opposition Liberal party expressed disappointment with the allocation of funds for environmental projects in the federal budget. The official communiqué read: "(The budget) keeps tax breaks for new oil sands expansion in place until 2015 to help with their plan for explosive (...) There is no plan to make sure polluters pay for using the atmosphere as a free garbage dump. Without an overall plan for the environment, modest support for greener cars falls short."

Polling Data

The term "global warming" refers to a change in the earth's climate whereby the surface temperature increases over time. Where do you stand on global warming?

There has been a lot of discussion about the science behind global warming estimates. Generally, do you think this is real science of junk science?

People have different views on the impact of global warming both now and in the future. What about the impact it may have on your life?

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