Who's worrying now? Top U.S. eco concerns

Was it the leaked environmental scientist e-mails... or can it be blamed on the weakened state of our economy? Whatever the reasoning, Americans are less worried about environmental issues today than they have been in the past 20 years. True story, according to a recent poll by Gallup.

Approximately 33 percent of people are concerned by the loss of tropical rain forests, 31 percent are worried about plant and animal extinction, and a measly 28 percent are losing sleep over global warming. So, what gives?   Apparently, the U.S. is more upbeat about the strides taken in environmental quality, making it a less worrisome topic around the dinner table. And perhaps, a less tangible marketing angle for tourism operators worldwide.

When it comes to eco fears, the issue most worried about in the states is pollution of drinking water (although it's still down 9 percent from last year).