Markham, ON – May 15, 2007 – A significant and growing majority of Canadians think the environment is worse than six years ago, an IBM survey says.
But while some Canadians are trying to be green, most still think real change is too expensive and feel the government should do more. The report, a national survey of 2,956 Canadians conducted in February 2007, found 70 per cent of Canadians think the environment is worse than it was six years ago, up from 56 per cent in 2001. According to the survey, 63 per cent of Canadians rate the overall quality of the environment as poor or fair, an increase from 54 per cent who felt that way in 2001, the first time the survey was conducted on this topic.
“In six years, Canadians have become much more aware of the environment and what impact they have on it,” said Neil Stuart, a partner in IBM Global Business Services. “Canadians are starting to show a willingness to do their part and change their behaviour. But while they have made some progress, they still have a long way to go before really having an impact.”
The vast majority of Canadians feel the federal government is not doing enough to reduce air pollution (86 per cent) or greenhouse gas emissions (85 per cent). More than half of all Canadians also strongly agree industry and government, through stricter regulations, tax incentives and new programs, must do more to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Yet Canadians are still optimistic with two-thirds believing that Kyoto targets on greenhouse gas reduction are still achievable.
Doing Their Part – Sort Of
Canadians are starting to take actions to improve their environment locally. Recycling rates are up 10 per cent over 2001 and there has been some increase in the use of environmentally friendly products. However the largest challenge to participation in recycling and composting programs is linked to community size and regions. British Columbia and Ontario have made the most progress on recycling, and composting rates are highest in Atlantic Canada and Ontario. However there are several large areas within Canada where programs do not exist.
When it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Canadians are reluctant to give up the convenience of their own car for the cause. Only 38 per cent of Canadians regularly carpool, walk, cycle or use public transportation. Four in 10 say they don’t have time or cannot use alternative transportation.
But three-quarters feel government spending on public transportation systems must increase. Two-thirds support higher prices for inefficient, high-emission vehicles, and 38 per cent support higher prices for electricity and fuel over a certain level of consumption.
Almost all agree Canadians need to reduce their energy consumption dramatically. Many have already: most turn off lights and many turn down heat and air conditioning, use fluorescent light bulbs and turn off appliances, computers, etc. when not in use. However, only 16 per cent have purchased a more energy-efficient car and only four per cent use an alternative energy source.
The main barrier cited by Canadians to doing more for the environment was the cost of energy-efficient cars, alternative energy and appliances.
About IBM Survey
The IBM survey was conducted with 2,956 Canadians, with a national margin of error of plus or minus 1.9 percentage points in 19 samples out of 20.
For more information, visit http://www.ibm.com/ca
Media Contacts:
Leslie Plant
IBM Canada
416.478.9840
laplant@ca.ibm.com