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Great Falls Residents Weigh-In on Global Warming Debate

Great Falls Residents Weigh-In on Global Warming Debate

By KFBB News Team

Story Created: Mar 11, 2010 at 9:13 PM MST

Story Updated: Mar 11, 2010 at 10:31 PM MST

It seems less Americans are worried about global warming, and many think it's just not real. That is according to a new Gallup survey. And as politicians and scientists debate the topic, some citizens of our area took time today to express their views on this controversial issue.

The Gallup Social Series Environment poll taken earlier this month is one of several that have shown a shift in attitudes over the last two years. Nearly half of Americans now believe the seriousness of global warming is exaggerated.

"Going green is a great idea,” said Nona Coughlan of Belt. “But I believe God is in control and the summers will be the summers and the winters will be the winters."

"I'm worried about it,” said Larry Mooney of Absarokee. “It is real.

Meriam-Webster's defines Global Warming as “an increase in the earth's atmospheric and oceanic temperatures widely predicted to occur due to an increase in the greenhouse effect resulting especially from pollution.”
While many climate scientists believe that humans are the cause, the number of Americans who agree with them is decreasing. On the streets of Great Falls today, Montanans shared their views.

"It really exists,” said Tracy Davison of Great Falls. “With the temperature increasing, we have a problem."

"I’m not worried about it now,” said Jason Orvis of Great Falls. “But when I'm 80 and my kids and grandkids are adults, they will be impacted by it.

Still, the study finds that a slight majority of Americans, 53%, do agree that global warming is real, and think the effects of the problem have begun or will do so in the coming years.

"We have to be concerned,” said Edmund Somerfeld of Power. “We need to stop using gas engines and go to electric ones."

"There is something to it,” said Janice Reichelt of Malta. “Some of it's real. We as human beings need to stop being wasteful."


Gallup says that the change in views may be partially due to the publicity surrounding allegations of scientific fraud relating to global warming evidence. Also, it could be a reflection of the record-breaking snow and cold temperatures of this past winter in certain areas.

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