Shaping the Energy Future: What Canadians Really think About Climate and Energy Policy

February 6, 2025

We surveyed Canadians on how they feel about climate change. 

Highlights include…

Public concern for climate change tends to wane during economic downturns, and current confidence in both the national and household economies is at an all-time low. The Leger Worry Index remains high at 64, reflecting broader anxieties. However, recent wildfires in Los Angeles have renewed attention to climate change. Additionally, 59% of Canadians say the new U.S. president has heightened their climate concerns.

Energy Transition: Expectations vs. Action

While Canadians acknowledge the need for energy transition, only half have made significant personal changes to address climate change. Moreover, just 4 in 10 consider a company’s environmental impact when making purchases, possibly due to low trust in corporate sustainability claims (55% distrust).

Economic Opportunities, Elections, and Climate Policy

Despite fluctuating concern, most Canadians worry about experiencing a climate catastrophe in their lifetime. When asked which federal party is best equipped to grow clean energy while balancing affordability, reliability, and economic performance, Conservatives (25%) lead the Liberals (19%), but a significant 33% remain undecided.

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