Australians concerned about climate finds poll

A new survey has discovered that Australians believe climate change to be a serious threat to the future of the planet and are attempting to be greener as a result.

The poll, undertaken by the Australian National University, discovered that more than half of the 1,000 Australians surveyed support emissions trading.

A further 60 per cent said they were willing to accept lower standards of living if it would help towards tackling the problem.

Some of the actions Australians are currently taking include using energy-saving light bulbs, recycling and cutting their water usage.

However, sacrificing cars was found to be less popular, as just below one-third of respondents said they used public transport regularly.

Last week, head of the UN intergovernmental panel on climate change Rajendra Pachauri said that environmental issues are currently taking a back seat while the world's leaders attempt to deal with the currently bleak economy.