Canadians Do Not Think Highly of their Efforts to Protect the Environment

http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/03/03/13102066-qmi.html

Canadians have a low level of confidence in regards to efforts they’ve taken to protect the environment.

“Only 18% of Canadians give themselves an ‘A’ for their efforts to reduce their impact on the planet, according to a new survey by the World Wildlife Fund Canada.
The survey also found four in 10 Canadians thought they were doing the best they could, giving themselves a ‘B’ grade, while only 5% gave themselves an ‘F’.
The survey indicates that 28% were very motivated and 52% were somewhat motivated to do more to reduce their personal and household impact on climate change.
“I think that’s about right,” federal NDP environment critic Linda Duncan said. “There’s a growing awareness that we’re already seeing the impacts of climate change and we need the government to put in the programs to help people move in that direction.”

The desire to do more was highest in Quebec and Ontario with 34% and 31%, respectively, saying they were very motivated to improve their behaviour, while the prairie provinces of Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan showed the lowest interest, with only 16% identifying themselves as very motivated.”

Ms. Duncan is right when she says “there’s a growing awareness” though I disagree with her views on getting “government to put in the programs to help people move in that direction.” The government has already proven that it is more likely to dither on the issue of climate change than pass meaningful legislation and implement programs. If you are concerned for the environment, then what are you waiting for? For businesses and individuals there already exists information and resources on how you can do your part to protect the environment. Stop waiting for the government to get their act together. The best way to pressure the government is not to continue to demand that they act but to demand by example and take action yourself.