Voters Believe in Global Warming, But Differ on Signing a Climate Treaty

Thirty-three percent say that the U.S. should sign even if other nations do less than the U.S. to curb emissions.

Fifty-nine percent of those polled believe the earth is getting warmer compared to 34 percent who do not, with 7 percent undecided.

Three-quarters of Democrats and 57 percent of independents believe global warming is occurring while a majority of Republicans (52 percent) do not.

Fifty-seven percent of those polled say global warming is due to human activity compared to 33 percent who believe it is a result of natural climate patterns, with 10 percent undecided. Fifty-five percent of Republicans attribute warming to natural patterns, while 69 percent of Democrats and 56 percent of independents blame it on human activity.

Republicans are the most opposed to signing an international treating with 42 percent against doing so. That compared to 14 percent of Democrats and 29 percent of independents who are in don't-sign camp.

Forty-seven percent of Democrats say the U.S. should sign a treaty even if others do less, while 30 percent say it should do so only if other countries sign. Independents are split with 33 percent for signing a treaty even if others do less, and 32 percent who make it contingent on other countries going along.

Voters are split at 40 percent each on President Obama's handling of the global warming issue, with 20 percent undecided.

Thirty-eight percent believe the Obama administration is going too far in pressing environmental issues at the expense of American jobs, 36 percent say it has struck the right balance, and 8 percent say the administration has put too much emphasis on jobs over the environment. Eighteen percent are undecided.