Growing numbers of people worldwide view environmental problems, pollution, nuclear proliferation and the widening gap between rich and poor as the most menacing threats facing the planet, according to a 47-nation survey published yesterday by the US-based Pew Global Attitudes Project.
The US comes in for sharp criticism. “Global distrust of American leadership is reflected in increasing disapproval of the cornerstones of US foreign policy,” the survey says.
“Not only is there worldwide support for a withdrawal of US troops from Iraq but there is also considerable opposition to US and Nato operations in Afghanistan”
It continues: “The US image remains abysmal in most Muslim countries in the Middle East and Asia and continues to decline among the publics of America’s oldest allies.”
Rising alarm about environmental problems registers across the board. Thirty-seven per cent of Americans name the issue as the top global threat, up 14% in five years. In China, another big polluter, 70% agree. In Britain, the figure is 46%.
Well if America pulled out of the Middle East, and disinvested out of oil it could improve its standing on both counts: improve its global standing and do its bit for the environment at the same time.