A provincial poll shows Albertans support the call to action on climate change signified by Kyoto, but not necessarily the policy.
Preliminary results from the government-commissioned public opinion survey by Ipsos-Reid show Albertans think of Kyoto as the leading solution to climate change, but they think it will cost jobs and negatively affect the Alberta economy.
Albertans are divided on whether Kyoto is the best way to go. Fifty-one per cent believe Alberta could better address climate change through an alternate solution.
Generally, Albertans think there could be alternatives, but are skeptical of the arguments from both supporters and opponents.
The telephone survey is one component of a study commissioned as a starting point for consultation with Albertans on the province’s proposed action plan on climate change.
The survey, conducted in April 2002, focused on the level of understanding and interest in the issue, and on what individuals are willing to do and how much they are willing to pay to take action.
Other preliminary findings of the survey include:
* 33 per cent of Albertans believe pollution of water, air and land is the most serious environmental issue facing the province today.
* 17 per cent see greenhouse gas emissions and/or global warming as the most important issues.
* 72 per cent of Albertans surveyed support Canada’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, but 47 per cent admit they don’t know what it commits Canada to do.
* Only five per cent knew that Kyoto calls for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by six per cent below 1990 levels.
The margin for error for the survey is +/- 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20. This month, the province will be releasing the Ipsos-Reid study and commencing consultations with stakeholders and the public on Alberta’s action plan on climate change.
