(OTTAWA) – In an immediate lead-up to the decade-defining UN Biodiversity Conference in Montreal, a new poll by Environics, commissioned by Greenpeace Canada, reveals that 84% of Canadians express concern about the future of the planet due to the state of wildlife and nature today. Furthermore, a striking 82% of Canadians believe that, as a host country of the Nature COP, the federal government is responsible for setting the right example on nature protection. 

To this end, Greenpeace Canada is calling for a new Nature & Biodiversity Act that would provide a clear framework for Canada to meet its upcoming biodiversity targets in a transparent and accountable manner, including giving the public a right to sue the government for lack of progress. According to the Environics poll, more than seven in ten Canadians are already supportive of such a new law. 

Lagi Toribau, Interim Executive Director, Greenpeace Canada, said: 

“The findings are in and the results are clear: Canadians know that nature is in crisis, they are personally concerned about it, and they want action. The federal government must take heed and deliver the strong leadership that Canadians want and expect. It’s time for Canada to step up to the challenge by passing stronger laws to protect nature and working to secure a strong global deal.”

Other key insights: 

  • Two-thirds of Canadians realize that nature is in crisis, and we need to act now. This sense of urgency is especially high among young Canadians aged 18-34. 
  • More than four in ten Canadians are very worried about the future of the planet in light of the biodiversity crisis. 
  • Although Canadians have mixed views about who should have the most say on protecting nature and wildlife, the federal government in particular emerged as the preferred actor to take on this role (especially in Quebec : 34%). 
  • Households with a modest income (less than $40,000 per year) proved to be among the most strongly supportive of new federal nature legislation. 

ENDS

Note to editors: 

Full poll results can be found here. 

Protecting nature, protecting life report is available here. 

For more information, please contact:

Dina Ni, Communications Officer, Greenpeace Canada

[email protected]; +1 (416) 820-2148