January 30, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Canada have become more worried about climate change, according to a poll by TNS Canadian Facts. 38 per cent of respondents are much more concerned about global warming than they were a year ago, while 30 per cent are a little more concerned.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Canada have become more worried about climate change, according to a poll by TNS Canadian Facts. 38 per cent of respondents are much more concerned about global warming than they were a year ago, while 30 per cent are a little more concerned.

The term global warming refers to an increase of the Earth's average temperature. Some theories say that climate change might be the result of human-generated carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

In 1998, several countries agreed to the Kyoto Protocol, a proposed amendment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The agreement commits nations to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Canada is one of more than 150 nations that have ratified the revised agreement, which came into effect in February 2005.

During his time in opposition, current prime minister and Conservative leader Stephen Harper criticized the inclusion of funds for the "fatally flawed" Kyoto Protocol in the federal budget. Harper took over as head of government in February 2006.

On Jan. 4, Harper enacted the first cabinet shuffle of his tenure, creating five junior positions, and switching the roles of eight ministers. John Baird took over as environmental minister from Rona Ambrose, who was put in charge of the intergovernmental affairs portfolio.

Yesterday, Bloc Québécois environment spokesman Bernard Bigras criticized the government's proposed environmental bill, saying, "We'll put forward amendments and will hope the government comes down on the side of Kyoto. If not, we'll be forced to vote against the bill."

Polling Data

Are you more of less concerned about global warming than you were one year ago?

Much more	38%
A little more	30%
No change	28%
A little less	3%
A lot less	2%

Source: TNS Canadian Facts
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,009 Canadian adults, conducted on Jan. 17 to Jan. 21, 2007. No margin of error was provided.