Survey results released last week show almost a third of Canadians are not interested in taking action to shift the energy they use to electricity and away from things like gasoline. This figure marks an increase in people who are not interested in taking steps toward energy transition since 2023.
The survey, conducted by Nanos research for the University of Ottawa’s positive energy program, showed about one in three people think it is the worst time for Canada to be taking ambitious climate action. When asked about their views, survey respondents who were hesitant about climate action most often said it is a bad time because of the affordability crisis.
In fact, almost 70 per cent of respondents said they were concerned about the price of energy they may have to face.
These survey results show how climate ambition for the average Canadian is affected by the current moment in which the weight of housing, food and other essential costs are felt across the country. However, the people’s need for affordability does not necessarily have to be an interest in competition with the people’s need for climate safety, some labour and environmental organizers say.
Climate crisis and affordability crisis are connected
Caroline Brouilette, executive director at Climate Action Network Canada, said the crises the population currently face are amplifying each other. Whether we are navigating a public health issue, geopolitical tensions or the loss of affordable necessities, Brouillete said Canadians should not forget that these problems are interconnected.
“It’s pretty clear that in 2024 we have to tackle these issues jointly,” Brouillette said.
Brouillette said one way to do this is to hold big fossil fuel companies accountable and educate people on how affordability and climate issues are not separate.
“Public opinion doesn’t materialize out of nowhere. It is shaped, actually,” Brouilette said.
“There are many climate efforts that have been ongoing for years, but why haven’t we adopted those policies?” she asked. “When you start asking those questions, it becomes very clear that it is a question of power and a question of politics of those oil and gas companies who are making record profits while our communities and ecosystems are burning.”
Alex Callahan, the Canadian Labour Congress’ national director of health, safety and environment says workers have long been calling for policies that tackle both climate and affordability issues. Callahan mentioned workers have long been calling for more investment in creating well-paid green jobs.
More green options needed
People don’t need to see climate and affordability issues as competing. They are, in fact, intertwined, Callahan says. However, he said we are often forced to see them as competing because the conditions in which we live give us no other choice.
In the example of transportation, Callahan highlighted that electrical vehicles can provide a green alternative but they have a high up-front cost. Because of this, people may see a green choice as being in competition with an affordable choice. In the long term however, green choices can make life more affordable.
“I have a plug-in hybrid, and every day I watch gas prices go up,” Callahan said. “I think, ‘Thank heavens, I’m not having to fill up because it’s expensive.’ That is a major driver of people’s cost of living.”
The survey results show there is a desire among Canadians to transition their energy use. About 30 per cent of respondents said they are interested in transitioning and have taken steps. At the same time, ten percent of respondents have already taken all transition steps they plan to. 29 per cent are interested in transitioning their energy use but have not begun the work.
Callahan highlighted that better jobs and wages can help address the affordability crisis and ensure people have the funds to make green choices. As well, governments can adopt policies that make these choices more affordable.
“People want to do this and we need to make sure that they can,” Callahan said.
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