The survey of 1,049 Catholics in England and Wales, for aid agency CAFOD, found that seven out of 10 (72%) were concerned that the world's poorest people were being hit by climate change.
It was found that 76% of those questioned by YouGov said they felt a moral obligation to help those affected by climate change.
It comes shortly before Pope Francis is due to publish a letter to every church in the world on climate change.
The Holy Father is expected to focus on the environment and how climate change is affected the poor.
In the survey 33% of Catholics said they were likely to change their lifestyle, by driving less and recycling more, after seeing the letter.
But the poll found that more than half (54%) said the letter would make no difference to how they led their life, whilst 70% believed the wider community would take notice.
Neil Thorns, director of advocacy at CAFOD, said: "While the data shows us that almost two-thirds of Catholics have engaged with the climate debate already, what's most telling about these results is how many Catholics link the impact climate change is having on vulnerable people with their faith, which calls us to protect the poorest in society.
"The world will be watching what the pope next says on climate change in anticipation of the impact he will have, not just within the Catholic community, but on the wider political process leading to Paris this year."
More than half of those asked agreed that they had thought more about the problems in the world as a result of Pope Francis' comments and teachings.