Wealthy, educated Canadians are worried about the threat of global warming - but not enough to give up their gas-guzzling SUVs or lower the thermostats in their homes, a new poll suggests.

The online poll of 3,500 people conducted by Angus Reid Strategies suggests one-third of Canadians consider climate change to be the most important issue facing humanity.

The only other time the environment was this important to the nation was in the late 1980s when fears about acid rain and overflowing landfills gave rise to widespread blue-box programs, said chief executive Angus Reid.

"The environment has moved back into first place," Reid said. "And there is no question it has huge staying power."

But even though respondents said they are more concerned about the environment than the health of the economy, Reid said the survey suggests well-educated and wealthy Canadians are the most reluctant to change their behaviour to help the environment.

A majority of respondents weren't interested in driving more fuel-efficient cars, lowering the thermostat in their homes, cutting down on air travel or shortening the length of their morning showers, he said.

The same respondents played down Canada's contribution to climate change, pointing the finger at India and China as bigger polluters, he added.