7. ENVIRONMENT

7.1 AWARENESS AND CONCERN

The survey included several items on the topic of climate change. Exposure to recent information on this topic was measured, as well as concern with this issue. Respondents were first asked whether they have recently heard, seen or read anything about climate change. Over two-thirds (64 per cent) indicated that they have. This level is very similar among the general public, as 69 per cent of respondents to a September survey of the public indicate they have recently heard, seen or read something about climate change.

First Nations residents who have been exposed to information on the topic of climate change were then asked to indicate the extent to which they are concerned with this issue. Residents demonstrated a fair amount of concern with this issue. Approximately one-third (34 per cent) are extremely concerned and an additional 26 per cent are definitely concerned, while a further 31 per cent are somewhat concerned. Only 10 per cent are not very or not at all concerned.

First Nations residents expressed greater concern on the issue of climate change than the general public. While the overall proportion of respondents in the general public concerned over the issue is similar, a much smaller proportion of the general public state that they are extremely concerned (only 15 per cent are extremely concerned, based on a September survey).

D

• Exposure to recent information on the topic of climate change is higher among men than women.
  
• Exposure to information is linked to education levels (with the greatest exposure among individuals with college or university education). Exposure to recent information also increases with the literacy level of individuals, and is higher among the employed.
  
• Exposure to information on this subject is also greater among residents with Internet access.
  
• Exposure to and concern with the issue of climate change increases with age, and is also higher among those who have contacted the federal government within the last three months.
  
• Concern over climate change is higher among residents whose first language is an Aboriginal language and lower among those whose first language is English or French.

7.2 SUPPORT FOR KYOTO

Survey respondents were also asked the extent to which they support or oppose Canada's commitment to the Kyoto agreement which will require a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2010. Support for Canada's commitment is fairly strong; just over two-thirds (69 per cent) support Canada's commitment, while four per cent are neutral and 16 per cent oppose Canada's commitment. Only 42 per cent, however, indicated that they strongly support Canada's commitment and 27 per cent indicated they somewhat support this commitment.

Although First Nations residents expressed stronger concern with the issue of climate change than does the general public, they are somewhat less supportive of the Kyoto agreement. In a September survey of the general public, 79 per cent supported Canada's commitment to the Kyoto agreement and 14 per cent opposed it.

As with the questions on the topic of climate change, support for the Kyoto agreement varies by gender, income, education, Internet access, first language, age and literacy levels.

D

• Men demonstrate greater support for the Kyoto agreement than do women. Support is also linked to the income and education of residents; those with a university education and incomes over $50,000 demonstrated the strongest support.
  
• Although First Nations residents whose first language is an Aboriginal language are more likely to express concern over the issue of climate change, this group is slightly more likely to oppose Canada's commitment to the Kyoto agreement
  
• Again, residents who have contacted the federal government in the last three months are more supportive.
  
• Opposition to Canada's commitment to the Kyoto agreement is higher among residents of Alberta, while support is highest in Quebec.
  
• Residents in poor health are less likely to support the agreement versus those in excellent health.

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