The BBC World Service poll showed 83 percent of the 22,000 people surveyed in 21 nations said they believe it will be necessary for people to "make changes in their lifestyle and behavior" to reduce the emission of climate-changing gases.

In 14 countries, 61 percent said it will be necessary to increase energy costs to reduce carbon emissions. But support for increased energy taxes is conditional. Asked if they'd support higher energy taxes on energy, only half approved. But that rose to 77 percent if taxes were specifically devoted to promoting energy efficiency. Such a tax received majority support in all 21 countries.

The only country with a majority against increasing the cost of fuels that produce greenhouse gases was Nigeria, a major oil producer whose government subsidizes domestic fuel sales.

The survey was conducted for the BBC World by the international polling firm GlobeScan and the University of Maryland.