More than four in five Britons are not convinced global warming is taking place
A staggering 85% of Britons questioned remain skeptical when it comes to climate change, according to Express.co.uk polls results revealed on the eve of the biggest environmental summit ever organised.
After 14,491 votes were cast in a number of questions, 12,421 pledged their scepticism about climate change, with answers ranging from being undecided to firm denial global warming is happening.
One question to voters found only six per cent agreed when asked whether humans definitely cause climate change.
The majority – 51 per cent – said any change in temperatures were down to “the sun and changing cycles” rather than fossil fuels.
Another 42 per cent believed the Earth’s temperatures will always fluctuate regardless of manmade changes.
World leaders prepare to spend hundreds of BILLIONS of pounds to cut emissions
In a separate question pollsters were asked whether it was humans which caused global warming or whether we were at the mercy of the elements.
Most of those who voted (79 per cent) blamed any rise in global temperatures on the sun and "other forces" rather than greenhouse gases.
In a following question, three in four (74 per cent) claimed global warming should not be considered a “major threat” despite warnings from Prince Charles and Pope Francis.
The finding comes on the eve of the UN summit in Paris that is expected to result in big cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.
The proposals being discussed tomorrow would mean cutting worldwide emissions by 40-70% by 2050 and 100% by the end of the century.
Christiana Figueres, who is leading the UN's negotiations, said: "l see more and more political will because every country is realising they are impacted.
"There is not a single country that has not felt the negative impact of climate change. That's why there is attention now to the opportunities in reducing emissions."
Tens of thousands of people have gathered in central London today for a march to demand action on climate change.
A staggering 85% of Britons questioned remain skeptical when it comes to climate change
Violent protests broke out outside the climate change summit in Paris
But, Mr Cameron may have a battle on enforcing any rise in household bills that would result from a climate deal.
Much of the public oppose green taxes on petrol, electricity and imported food - or any products with a high carbon footprint.
Another study, by the US space agency NASA revealed that Antarctic temperatures have actually cooled over the past six years.
An intensive scientific study of both Earth's poles has found that overall temperature has dropped in the southern polar region.
NASA has also recently revealed the overall amount of ice has increased at the Antarctic and the amount of sea ice has also extended.
This has fuelled claims that human industrialisation is not having the huge impact on global temperature as often is claimed.