Poll: Americans Unwilling to Spend Money to Protect Against Rising Sea Levels

A new national survey says 82 percent of Americans want to prepare now for rising seas and stronger storms from climate change. But most are unwilling to spend the money to keep the beach where it is.

The poll by Stanford University found that only 1 in 3 people favored the government spending millions to construct big sea walls, replenish beaches or pay people to leave the coast.

The options the majority preferred were making sure new buildings were stronger and reducing future coastal development.

Three in 5 people want those who are directly affected by rising seas to pay for protection, not the entire American public.

Survey director Jon Krosnick said Americans seem fatalistic about global warming.