The following University of Montreal press release is based on the findings of a survey that was conducted on behalf of EcoAnalytics: a cooperative research initiative led by university researchers and environmental charities and non-profit organizations, including the Pembina Institute.
A strong majority of Canadians support specific government actions to cut global warming pollution by boosting energy-efficient vehicles and products, and developing more clean energy, according to a new national survey conducted by researchers at the University of Montreal.
The representative poll of 1,200 Canadians conducted in October shows 73% want their governments to do more to limit further climate change from happening.
Specifically, a strong majority want governments at all levels to put less emphasis on fossil fuels such as coal (73% want less emphasis) and oil (60% want less emphasis) and more emphasis on developing clean energy, such as solar (85% want more emphasis) and wind (71% want more emphasis).
Broad support for carbon pricing
Canadians believe a shift toward clean energy would bring a broad range of benefits, including cleaner air and improved public health (38% of respondents), reduced carbon pollution (20%), increased technological innovation (17%), enhanced energy security and stable energy prices (11%) and new green jobs (9%).
The poll also found that a majority of Canadians (72%) support a price on carbon, though support declines somewhat when associated with a cost of 2 cents (60%) and 11 cents (46%) per litre at the gas pump. These are the approximate additional costs per litre associated with carbon being priced at $10/tonne and $50/tonne, as proposed by the federal government for 2018 and 2022, respectively.
“After years of appearing to put all our eggs in the same energy basket, this survey reveals Canadians are open to a shift in how we produce energy” said principal investigator Erick Lachapelle, Associate Professor of Political Science at the Unversity of Montreal.. “Canadians are aware of the many benefits of moving toward clean energy. However, we still need governments to lead this effort, as many Canadians are still reluctant to pay more to help spur this transition.”
Cross-partisan support for policies
The survey found greater support for a range of other policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. The vast majority of Canadians are in favour of new policies to support renewable energy (87% support), electric vehicles (81%) and energy efficiency (over 90% support).
“Additional regulations on fuel economy and energy efficiency standards in buildings are likely required if Canada wants to meet its international commitments, and would garner support with Canadians regardless of their political tendencies. From Green Party supporters and New Democrats to Liberals and Conservatives, there is cross-partisan support for specific energy efficiency regulations,” said Erick Lachapelle.
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For full details, download the full results (PDF). And read backgrounder (PDF).
Contact
Jeff Heinrich
Université de Montréal
Tel: 514 343-7593