International polling firm GlobeScan, surveyed 20,000 people from 19 countries in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and Latin America. The poll found 88 percent considers climate change to be "very serious" or "somewhat serious" problem.

Majorities in 14 of 19 countries surveyed believe investing in renewable energy, energy efficiency and public transportation are good for the economy. A similar number supported government action to address climate change despite negative economic impacts.

"The best science and the best economics have been telling governments for some time that fast and decisive action is needed on climate change. Now leaders know that if they seal a good and transformative deal in Copenhagen, they will also have the majority of public opinion on their side too." said Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme.