Canadians want urgent action on climate change more than ever before

WWF

(TORONTO – March 9, 2011) — A poll conducted on behalf of WWF has found that Canadians are increasingly convinced about the need for urgent action on climate change. WWF’s year-over-year data shows that 84 per cent of Canadians are as convinced or more convinced than last year that urgent action is necessary.

At its core, climate change is about energy: how we produce it and how we use it. Switching from non-renewable to renewable energy, coupled with energy efficiency and conservation, is the only effective solution to climate change.

Currently, Canada is one of the top 10 nations contributing to global climate change, but we don’t have to be. WWF asks Canadians to show their support for clean energy as the solution to climate change by participating in WWF’s Earth Hour. Last year 50 per cent of Canadians participated. This year join over a billion people worldwide and switch off your lights on Saturday, March 26 from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Pledge your support for WWF’s Earth Hour at www.EarthHourCanada.org. (In Canada, Sears Canada, Citytv, OMNI Television and the Toronto Star are the lead sponsors. In Ontario, Bullfrog Power and Ontario Power Authority are the official sponsors.)

QUOTE:
“Canadians are looking for action on climate change – that’s why they come out in record numbers every year to participate in WWF’s Earth Hour. Canada can be a world leader in clean energy, but provincial involvement is essential to make it happen. This poll shows that Canadians are eager for their government to take action.”
– Josh Laughren, WWF Director, Climate and Energy

FACTS:

  • Ontarians (32%) and those in Manitoba or Saskatchewan (31%) are the most likely to think their government is serious about enacting legislation on energy conservation; Québécois are least likely (21%).
  • Despite efforts made by many provinces on energy efficiency and conservation, WWF’s review of provincial energy mixes shows continuing reliance on non-renewable energy sources in many provinces. wwf.ca/energymix
  • WWF’s Energy Report shows how the world can transition to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2050 using existing technologies. The process is not only achievable but cost-effective. www.wwf.ca/energyreport