Oct. 10, 2007 While 63% of U.S. consumers say they are "very concerned" about climate change, few understand how greenhouse gas emissions are actually generated and by whom.

These are the findings of Energy Pulse 2007, the Shelton Group's annual national consumer survey on energy use and conservation.

Nearly 30% of consumers think car and truck emissions present the worst man-made cause of climate change, according to the report. U.S. EPA figures show, however, that transportation accounts for only a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions, with just over 15% coming from personal vehicles as opposed to diesel trucks, jet fuel, or commercial fleets. In actuality, coal-fired electricity production is one of the biggest climate offenders a fact understood by only 4% of those surveyed.

"The disconnect American consumers have between climate change issues and their own electricity usage is sobering," said Shelton Group CEO Suzanne Shelton. "Over the years, consumers have been conditioned to think that changing their driving habits is the best way to help the environment, when in reality, the biggest thing they can do is to use less electricity."

The survey showed that most U.S. consumers do not know whether their electricity provider offers green power options. The study authors predict, however, that consumer participation in utility renewable energy programs will likely grow.