More Canadians worried about climate change than Americans: poll

Seventy per cent of Canadians are worried about climate change, according to a new poll.

Leger’s latest survey says that figure compares to 58 per cent of Americans who feel the same way.

Given events like the drought in B.C. right now and Hurricanes Ian and Fiona hitting much of the east coast of Canada and the U.S., climate change has been top of mind for many people.

A Leger poll explores Canadians’ and Americans’ perspectives on climate change and extreme weather events. (Courtesy Leger)

That is evident by some of the other responses in the Leger survey. More Canadian respondents say they’ve “personally experienced” the effects of climate change where they are than their U.S. counterparts.

Meanwhile, when it comes to the cause of climate change, the results once again vary between the two countries.

Leger finds more Canadians think global warming is caused by people than Americans do, with 31 per cent of the latter believing it is caused by “natural and cyclic phenomena that have nothing to do with human activity,” compared to 21 per cent of Canucks who say the same.

The pollster has also asked what people are doing to address ongoing climate challenges.

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The survey finds 35 per cent of Canadians asked are ready to buy an electric or hybrid car if gas prices hold high, which also can help the environment. Going deeper, “Quebecers and Ontarians are most likely to indicate they are likely to purchase an electric or hybrid,” the report says.

However, despite that fact that British Columbians and Albertans are “greener”, the survey shows they would likely keep their current vehicle option than trade it in for an EV.

Leger surveyed just more than 1,500 Canadians and 1,000 Americans.