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ENVIRONMENT AND GLOBAL WARMING TOP ISSUES, CANADIANS SAY Quebecers most willing to take drastic measures to limit greenhouse-gas emissions TORONTO, January 26, 2007 – Among all the issues facing the world today, Canadians are
most concerned about the environment and global warming—mentioned by one-third of the
population as top issues—far ahead of war (8%), turmoil in Iraq and the Middle East (6%),
conflict in Afghanistan (5%) and poverty (5%), according to a new survey by TNS Canadian
Facts. The survey found that two-thirds of Canadians are more concerned about global warming
now than they were a year ago. This sentiment strengthens the further back in time
Canadians assess their views on the issue, with nearly eight in 10 saying they are more
alarmed about global warming today compared to three years ago. “Ravaging storms in British Columbia, December’s unseasonal temperatures, and increased
media attention on climate change have Canadians talking about global warming and
demanding action,” said Richard Jenkins, vice-president of TNS Canadian Facts. In fact, Canadians have noticed increased coverage of global warming in the media, with
more than 80 per cent saying they have been hearing more about it in the news recently
compared to a year ago. The survey also found that the environment and global warming
are top concerns among all Canadians, even among those who would vote Conservative if a
federal election were held today.
“Canadians of all political stripes are looking to the federal government to provide a
leadership role, and the political agenda turning green these past two weeks is a reflection of
that, but an important question is ‘are Canadians willing to change their behaviour?’” said
Jenkins. “The results of our study suggest that a majority of Canadians are willing to make some
simple changes in their daily lifestyle to limit greenhouse-gas emissions, but they are less
prepared to take drastic action,” he added. The top three actions that Canadians are most likely to take to help the environment are
recycling (87% probably or definitely will), purchasing appliances that are energy efficient
(71%), and replacing traditional light bulbs with environmentally-friendly ones (66%).
Activities that would reduce harmful emissions to produce energy—and lower household
utility bills—are also high on the list of steps that Canadians say they are willing to take.
These activities include turning down the heat in the winter, using less air conditioning in the
summer, and washing clothing only in cold water. Canadians are not as willing, though, to change their driving habits. Taking public transit
more often is an action that one-third of the population say they definitely would not or
probably would not do. “Despite the popular myth that B.C. is the greenest province, Quebecers actually appear
most willing among Canadians to make lifestyle changes. They are more willing to reduce
emissions from cars by walking, riding bicycles, taking public transportation and carpooling
more often,” said Jenkins. “And Quebecers are more prepared to take drastic measures, like installing solar panels to
heat and cool their homes, buying hybrid vehicles, and spending 10 per cent more on
products that have less of an impact on the environment.”
Despite the attempts of some to suggest that global warming is merely a theory, Canadians
aren’t buying it, as more than eight in 10 interviewed in the survey are convinced that global
warming has been scientifically proven. The poll also found that an equally high proportion
of Canadians are hopeful that global warming can be slowed. For the survey, TNS Canadian Facts interviewed 1,009 nationally representative Canadian
adults by telephone between January 17 and 21. The survey results are considered
accurate to 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. TNS Canadian Facts (www.tns-cf.com) is one of Canada's most prestigious full-service
marketing, opinion and social research organizations. About TNS TNS is a market information group:
- The world’s largest provider of custom research and analysis
- A leader in political and social polling
- A major supplier of consumer panel, media intelligence and TV and radio audience
measurement services. TNS operates across a global network in over 70 countries, allowing us to provide
internationally consistent, up-to-the-minute and high quality information and analysis.
TNS’ strategic goal is to be recognized as the global leader in delivering value added
information and insights that help our clients to make more effective decisions.
www.tns-global.com
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