Canadians support climate action now. Climate and biodiversity issues sit squarely within the group of issues (like the pandemic, inflation and Ukraine invasion) that most Canadians want addressed now. Among those who don’t necessarily want immediate action, there is some potential traction with frames about improved affordability for people/businesses and ensuring Canada is positioned for change (to cushion the impact of an energy transition). There is a group (roughly 4 in 10) who report a greater appreciation for nature due to the pandemic; about half of these folks strongly support increased government support for nature for both urban and rural areas (close to double to the overall average). (However, it may be that this group also had a higher pre-pandemic level of appreciation, and this does not represent a true shift.) There is a consistency in the data across questions that suggests people are “dug into” their position, in a way that is not explained by demographics or even federal party support.
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