Leger Poll: “Planet in Peril” — Combine economy and environment advise pollsters

Is there a way to combine economy and environment, the pollsters are asking the politicians (rhetorically, I assume). A Leger Marketing poll taken just after the UN Climate Summit in Copenhagen shows that politics in Quebec are still decisively connected (70%) to climate concerns. Shows the burgeoning youth movement.  Also turns out a full quarter of us Canucks are “confused” by the debate. Here’s Sunmedia:

More than half of Canadians believe greenhouse gases produced by human activity are a key factor spurring climate change, and they say the planet is in peril if significant action isn’t taken soon.

The findings of the Leger Marketing poll conducted less than a week after the end of climate talks in Copenhagen suggest that Canada’s political leaders must more clearly explain their plans for the environment.

…

the poll is “good news,” said Dave Scholz, vice-president of Leger Marketing. “Most Canadians are recognizing that we have to do something, that we need to take action.”

And here’s Leger’s Scholz from a second article on the poll discussing Harper’s predicament:

“He’s right to address the economy now and the issues of employment,” Scholz said. “However, he has to be realizing that if he doesn’t address the environment and climate change, it will become a bigger problem in the future and he needs to be looking at both.

“Is there a way to combine the two? Is there a way for Canada to become the leader in environmental products?”

Some results:

Which of the following statements best reflects your view on the urgency of action on climate change?

16% Climate change is a natural occurrence and not significantly impacted by human behaviour, and spending time and money on the issue is largely a waste

53% Human-induced generation of greenhouse gases is a key driver of climate change and without immediate and significant action, the planet as we know it is in peril

25% The debate on Climate Change has confused me, and while I think humans have an impact on climate, I am not sure how serious the problem is

Natural Occurence

Atlantic 15%

Quebec 9%

Ontario 16%

Man./Sask. 24%

Alberta 23%

B.C. 21%

Human induced, planet is in peril

Atlantic 49%

Quebec 69%

Ontario 51%

Man./Sask. 37%

Alberta 40%

B.C. 51%

Has me confused

Atlantic 29%

Quebec 18%

Ontario 26%

Man./Sask. 29%

Alberta 33%

B.C. 25%

—

As Canada embarks on a new decade, which of the following do you feel presents the biggest threat to our country?

11% Foreign or domestic terrorism and wars

37% Environment and climate change dangers

49% Economic and employment problems

Terrorism/wars

Atlantic 12%

Quebec 10%

Ontario 11%

Man./Sask. 12%

Alberta 10%

B.C. 10%

Environment/climate change

Atlantic 36%

Quebec 50%

Ontario 32%

Man./Sask. 34%

Alberta 31%

B.C. 33%

Economic/employment problems

Atlantic 49%

Quebec 38%

Ontario 53%

Man./Sask. 50%

Alberta 53%

B.C. 54%

—

44% of 18-24-year-olds think climate change is the biggest threat compared to only 29% of those aged 65+.

61% of 18-24-year-olds are concerned about the planet being in peril from climate change, compared to only 49% of those aged 65+.