Canadians’ Perspectives on Climate Change & Education: 2022
Overview
The purpose of LSF’s newest climate change survey is to assess Canadians’ knowledge, understanding and perceptions of climate change and its risks, and to explore views on climate change education in Canada. This survey compares current results to our 2019 benchmark survey and provides recommendations to all sectors to support climate learning.
These results illustrate how the general public, teachers, parents and students view climate change education in Canadian schools. Each target group provides insights on the role schools should play and what supports teachers and students require to address climate change in their classrooms.
This research was conducted by LSF. Leger Research Intelligence Group provided data collection and analysis. This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada.
Survey Results
Previous slide
Next slide
The executive summary provides a snapshot of findings and key takeaways and highlights some of the most salient data from the full report. Data is presented from the viewpoint of educators, parents, students and the general public. This consolidated report concludes with recommendations for formal, informal and non-formal education.
This comprehensive report reflects the opinions and perspectives of 4,035 Canadians on climate change education in Canada. Responses are analyzed by four key respondent groups: educators, parents, students and the general public, as well as by province/region across Canada.
The results paint a picture of a Canadian population that is deeply concerned about the impacts of climate change and eager for reliable information and action within both the public and formal education system. The information collected in this survey will be crucial in forming a climate-centered path forward.
The report is divided into four main sections:
- Section One: background and demographics of the survey.
- Section Two: a selection of questions that were replicated from our 2019 survey and an analysis of how things have changed.
- Section Three: new 2022 findings on how each target group perceives climate change and a highlights of educators’ unique perspectives on the issues that impact the teaching of climate change.
- Section Four: examines Canadians segmented into climate audiences based on EcoAnalytics’ Canadian Ladder of Engagement, as well as gender.
Visual highlights from Canadians’ Perspectives on Climate Change and Education: 2022. Dive into the new 2022 data in a dynamic and visual way through these summary infographic reports. Click on the link below to visit our infographic webpage, or click on the images to view each page as a PDF.
In the press:
National Observer: Parents, teachers, students want more climate change education, poll shows (Dec 8, 2022)
York University: New survey on climate change shows youth most motivated to take action (Feb 3, 2023)
The Conversation: Teachers need bolder action from our school boards to educate in and for a climate emergency (March 7 2023)
Regional Results and Knowledge Mobilization Sessions
Regional Reports
Manitoba
Ontario
Alberta
Atlantic Region
British Columbia
Saskatchewan
Quebec
On April 19th LSF met with 32 students from 9 provinces across Canada to share the survey results and discuss steps to mobilize action.
Students were given the opportunity to share what they’re currently doing to address climate change and to reflect on their experiences with climate change education in and out of school. They then brainstormed what other sectors can do to support youth in fighting climate change and made their own pledges to take climate action!
The results from this session, along with student-specific survey results can be accessed below:
Past Survey Results
If you have any questions about the survey please contact:
Pamela Schwartzberg
President and CEO
Learning for a Sustainable Future
cc-survey@LSF-LST.ca
1-877-250-8202
