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Poll: Consumers Will Pay if It Results in Green Jobs

Published: Dec 10, 2009

 CSR       

In a new poll, surrounding the hype of Copenhagen, Americans are willing to pay more for a solution, only if it creates green jobs in the U.S. The poll, conducted by McClatchy-Ipsos, survey-takers said they would be unwilling to shell out marginally more every month in energy bills, etc. if it doesn't yield in a lower unemployment number. The survey goes further to break down how much of an increase people are willing to agree to: $10 a month. Raise the price to $25 and ready agreement turns to complete opposition.

At the same time, results show 70% of Americans realize global warming is on the rise with 34% calling it a natural phenomenon, while another 61% blame fossil fuels consumption.

With how many jobs a climate change legislation creates heavily debated and highly ambiguous a number, polls such as this one serve as an acute reminder that any change (or lack thereof) must result in jobs. The 10% figure needs to nudge downwards and consumers are willing to do their share to help. Trouble is: climate change regulation and an international treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions won't come with job guarantees.

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