More Edmontonians call for the City to continue its efforts to address climate change

A survey conducted earlier this year on Edmontonians’ perceptions and attitudes toward climate change found that Edmontonians agree climate change is a concern (up 1% to 75%), that climate change is caused mostly by human activities (up 3% to 74%) and that we need to act now (up 2% to 77%).

Now in its fifth year, the survey shows progress in social norms around climate change is being made, with people’s attitudes towards climate change moving towards greater acceptance and support, and their behaviours are aligning with those attitudes.

Economy

The survey also found:

• 71% of respondents agree that investing in energy efficiency provides job opportunities for the city.
• 70% agree that transitioning to renewable energy sources provides job opportunities for the city.
• 66% agree that efforts to prevent climate change present economic opportunities for Edmonton.

Actions of individuals

Those surveyed agreed that their individual actions contribute to the global impacts of climate change (up 4% to 71%), that Edmontonians should be doing more (up 2% to 72%) and that they want to do more personally to help prevent climate change (up 1% to 70%).

The average person reports having taken close to four (3.8) actions in the past year. Also, 75% indicate that energy efficiency is important in buildings, an increase of 7% from the previous survey. In terms of transportation, 21% plan to buy an electric vehicle for their next vehicle purchase and 13% are likely to purchase an electric bicycle in the next three years.

Ready to take action yourself? Check out our Actions for Change. The actions are measured by the impact they make, so you can see how each action contributes to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.

Actions of the City

A growing number of people (47%, an increase of 4%) want the City to increase its efforts to address the issue of climate change while 23% want the City to maintain the efforts it is already taking. Regarding the current climate change efforts, 43% feel the City is taking the right actions (up 7%).

These actions include rebates for promoting energy efficiency retrofits in homes and commercial buildings and investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure; grants such as the CitiesIPCC Legacy Research Grant, the Climate Innovation Fund and funding for Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues’ Green Leagues program; development of protected bike lanes downtown and beyond; extension of the LRT network and deployment of battery-electric buses; and more.

To learn more about the actions the City is taking and what its planning, check out the revised Energy Transition Strategy and Action Plan.

We can all help make a Change For Climate.