According to the findings, while 74% of Canadians believe that climate change is one of the biggest threats to humankind, 14% report that they have no concerns around its consequences. Canadians have polarizing views on the impact of climate change, with 43% who report they are already experiencing its consequences versus 44% who believe its consequences are years away.While Canadians have differing levels of understanding and interest in pursuing ways to reduce their carbon footprint, there is some consensus around needing more education with 58% who believe there is an opportunity for Canada to pursue education around environmental preservation.The study, commissioned by 3M, conducted between December 2023 and January 10, 2024, explores Canadians’ perceptions on the role that science will play in shaping the future, attitudes on the severity of climate change and willingness to learn more or adapt behaviours to reduce carbon footprint, and how Canadians choose to engage with businesses based on their environmental commitments and the importance of evolving the ‘green’ workforce.“As Canada, along with the rest of the world, continues to navigate its path in tackling the climate crisis, taking a science-led approach that enables environmentalists, climate change experts, governments, businesses, and Canadians to make informed decisions will be critical. Knowledge is power – and science provides knowledge. The more Canadian consumers and businesses feel informed, the more empowered they become to play a fundamental role in helping Canada reach net-zero by 2050.”Polarizing views on climate changeCanadians are divided on their views around whether they believe their local community is already experiencing the consequences of climate change or is still many years away. While 43% report they believe climate change is already impacting their local community, 11% anticipate it will impact them within the next five years.A further 11% believe it will impact them over the next 6 to 10 years, and 22% believe it’s more than 11 years away. More than one in 10 Canadians (12%) believe climate change will have no impact on their community.Weather patterns, clean water, and poor air qualityOf those Canadians that are concerned about the consequences of climate change, nearly half (46%) cite extreme weather events, such as severe hurricanes, fires, floods, etc., as a top concern; followed by concern of lack of clean water (32%), and poor air quality (30%) issues. Other concerns cited include:Health issues stemming from changes to the climate: 28%Long-term shift in temperatures and weather patterns: 27%Loss of biodiversity (i.e. the variety of plants and animals in a particular habitat): 26%Compromised quality of life for future generations: 26%Increased global hunger: 21% Negative economic impact: 18% (ICE TORONTO)

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