During the intervening period between the two polls, there was a series of high profile climate-related stories, some of which made grim reading for climate scientists and policymakers.

BBC: Climate scepticism 'on the rise', BBC poll shows

Future climate change could change the profile of tropical forests, with possible consequences for carbon storage and biodiversity, a study says.

BBC: Tropical forests 're-shaped' by climate changes

Over the next 12-24 months, the project's researchers hope to build up a comprehensive profile of the various "climate-proof" traits and in which crops they are found.

BBC: 'Climate-proof' crop hunt begins

Ironically, Americans appear to agree more on climate-change science than other high-profile scientific controversies like the safety of genetically-modified organisms.

FORBES: The Post-Normal Seduction of Climate Science

In citing climate change as a priority, Obama raised the profile of the issue on the national agenda after a presidential campaign in which it was almost never mentioned.

CNN: Obama's speech ties current issues to founding principles

The 2008 Benetti yacht Alibella is a high-profile example of the effect the international economic climate.

CNN: Super-yacht prices plummet as recession hits

Since moving into the job last September, Mr Hayes has had high profile differences at the Department for Energy and Climate Change with the Lib Dem Energy Secretary, Ed Davey.

BBC: John Hayes

Quiet but concrete action beats high profile symbolism if we are to move forward on climate mitigation.

FORBES: Moving Beyond The Symbolism Of Earth Hour

Despite the small size of this country, Mr Nasheed became a disproportionately influential head of state, raising the Maldives' profile by highlighting the threat posed to it by climate change, our correspondent says.

BBC: Maldives ex-President Mohamed Nasheed defies court