Author: Dr. Loleen Berdahl
Protecting the environment has been a growing concern for western Canadians over the past five years, and large numbers of western Canadians consider reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to be a high or very high priority. The emphasis placed on reducing GHG emissions reflects public concern about climate change: almost 8 in 10 western Canadians feel that climate change is a serious problem for Canada. However, almost 6 in 10 feel that, while significant efforts should be made to reduce GHG emissions, it should not be done at the expense of the economy.
When asked who, between business/industry or individual consumers, can do more to address climate change, western Canadians are somewhat divided, with the greater number stating that business can do more. At the same time, western Canadians are open to a wide range of individual-level changes to reduce GHG emissions, including improving home energy efficiency, purchasing hybrid or energy efficient vehicles, and reducing automobile travel by walking, biking, carpooling and/or using public transit more often. Of those who say that they are willing to make individual changes, many report that they are already doing so. While strong numbers of western Canadians are open to making voluntary changes to reduce GHG emissions, a slim majority is unwilling to pay more for gasoline or home heating.