Any American who has lived abroad during the Bush administration knows what it’s like to carry the burden of defending America. Most of the time, I enjoy a good debate about the merits of American policy, pop culture, customs and whatever else. But lately, for obvious reasons, it’s been a little more difficult to sing the praises of the ol’ US of A and I find myself doing more apologizing than anything else. And today is one of those days when as an American I feel the need to say to the world, “I’m sorry, I’m really fucking sorry.” Why, you ask? Well, an ACNielson survey of over 25,000 internet users in 46 different countries found that 13% of Americans have never heard of global warming. I’m embarrassed just writing that. Despite the fact the America contributes to more to the problem than any other country and thus, Americans should know more about this subject than say, Jamaicans, how is it possible that nearly 1 in 7 Americans have never heard of the damn thing? What’s more, only 9% of the world’s population was found to have never heard of global warming which means that America has a higher rate of ignorance toward this issue than the rest of the world. And even more depressing, it means that nearly 40 million people haven’t picked up a newspaper in the last 5 years. Whether or not the issue of global warming is important to you or not, I don’t care. But if you’re filling out an international survey and you’re asked if you’ve heard of something that sounds kind of “smart,” just answer yes. If for no better reason than that it’s us Americans abroad that have to answer for you.
•Reuters: 13% Have Never Heard of Warming