VOTE: Do you believe humans are responsible for climate change?

A new poll reveals nearly a third of Canadians either aren’t totally convinced or do not think climate change is caused by human and industrial activity.

The results, released by Abacus Data, show 61 per cent of Canadians believe humans are responsible for climate change. A further 27 per cent said there was some evidence it was caused by humans. Another 11 per cent of those polled by Abacus said there was little to no evidence humans are responsible for climate change.

Support for the argument that humans are responsible for climate change was delineated by political position and voting preference. Seventy-six per cent of those identifying as politically left said the evidence was either solid or conclusive. Among those identifying as in centrists, 62 per cent said the evidence was solid or conclusive. Among politically right voters, only 35 per cent said the same.

But Canadians differed on how to exactly respond to climate change. Seventy-five per cent of respondents said they would prefer the government institute rules and regulations requiring emissions reductions. Seventy per cent said subsidies should be used to encourage the adoption of low-carbon technologies. By comparison, only 55 per cent said carbon pricing is the way to combat climate change, despite a national plan to do so coming into effect at the end of this year.

Canadians were also wary of making too fast a transition to a low-carbon economy. Six-in-10 Canadians said the country should continue to develop its oil and gas resources as the nation transitions toward cleaner energy forms. Seventy-three per cent said the shift should be managed to not drive up living costs or cost too many jobs, even if it results in a slower move to cleaner energy sources. But still, 73 per cent of Canadians said they believe moving to a low-carbon economy is ultimately achievable.

So, do you think humans are responsible for climate change? Let us know in the poll and comments!