Indians are more concerned about the ill effects of climate change than Americans, Chinese, Russians or British, a global survey has found. The survey of 25 carbon-emitting countries — released two days before a crucial climate summit of 192 nations in Copenhagen, Denmark — says 67 per cent of Indians believe global warming is a serious problem. It is way ahead of Canada (47 per cent), the US (44 per cent) and China (30 per cent).

“Historically, people in India have always been concerned about the environment,” said Shyam Saran, the PM's Envoy on Climate Change. “Our stand at the global negotiations is of leadership and equity, a view shared by most in India.”

The survey — conducted in May-June by US-based global consultancy group PEW Research Center — covered mostly urban centres across the world.

“Perception about global climate has increased in many countries since 2008, including in India and the Middle East,” it says.

In the three fastest growing economies — India, China and Brazil — over 80 per cent of people want priority for environment over economic growth.

The majority in 15 countries feels global warming is a “very serious” problem and in 23 countries they agree that the environment should be protected, even at the cost of slower economic growth and job losses.