Most 'want climate change action'

The survey of more than 22,000 people in 21 countries found an average of almost eight out of 10 (79%) think human activity such as industry and transport is a major cause of climate change.

Nine out of 10 people questioned for the BBC World Service poll said it is necessary to address global warming, and two thirds (65%) said major steps need to be taken very soon.

In China, one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases, 70% of urban respondents believe major steps are needed quickly to address climate change.

The poll also shows a majority in all countries but two - Nigeria and India - supporting an agreement in which developing countries would limit their emissions in return for financial and technological assistance from more developed countries.

In only three countries, Egypt, Nigeria and Italy, do more people believe that developing countries should not have to cut emissions than think they should.

And in all countries except for India two thirds or more of those questioned believe human activity is helping cause climate change.

In 13 countries, including Britain, Indonesia, the Philippines and Turkey, more than twice as many people believe in major rather than modest steps to tackle climate change.

While European countries such as France, Spain and Italy lead the way in demanding big steps to address the issue, people in South American countries including Brazil and Chile are also strongly in favour of such moves.

The poll comes as world leaders meet for United Nations and United States-led discussions this week on climate change, ahead of a summit in Bali in December which aims to begin negotiations on the successor to the Kyoto Protocol.