ONE in three French do not believe in climate change, or that it is caused by human activity, according to a government study.

The poll by the Commissariat général au développement durable (CGDD) found 61% believed climate change existed and was caused by human activity.

However 35% did not agree: 13% of them did not believe that climate change was ‘proven’ and while 22% accepted climate change was occurring they said there was no evidence to prove it was because of human activity. (4% had no opinion on the matter).

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change stated in its fourth assessment report in 2007 that climate change and global warming were “unequivocal.”

It added that most of the observed increased in global average temperatures has taken place since the mid-20th century and that it was 90% likely due to the greenhouse gases produced by human activity.

Climate sceptics were most prevalent among those with no university education and those aged 70 or older.

The survey also found that France was generally returning to support nuclear power with 47% saying it was “generally more advantageous” against 40% who said there were “more drawbacks”.