New Data Reveals 85% of Canadians Demand Government Action on Climate Adaptation

A significant majority of Canadians are calling for more robust action from their government to address the growing challenges posed by climate change, particularly in adapting to and mitigating the impact of natural disasters. According to a recent poll commissioned by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), 85% of Canadians believe that governments should prioritize protecting citizens from the natural disasters they are already experiencing.

Key Findings from the Poll:

• Government Response to Natural Disasters: While 54% of Canadians approve of the government’s management and response to natural disasters, only 40% feel that enough is being done to adapt to the ongoing changes in the climate.
• Support for Immediate Action: A resounding 85% of respondents believe it is crucial for governments to act now to protect Canadians from increasing natural disasters caused by climate change.
• Setting Adaptation Targets: 76% of Canadians agree that governments should prioritize setting and achieving immediate targets for climate adaptation within the next five years. Over half (52%) believe this should be a major or top priority.
• Infrastructure Investments: There is strong support (83%) for additional government investments in community infrastructure to reduce the risk of flooding. Moreover, 68% of Canadians back the idea of financial assistance for homeowners who need to relocate from high-risk flood zones.

IBC’s Commitment to Climate Adaptation:

Craig Stewart, Vice-President of Climate Change and Federal Issues at IBC, emphasized the urgency of setting near-term targets within Canada’s first National Adaptation Strategy to better prepare communities for severe natural disasters, such as the devastating floods in British Columbia last year. Stewart stressed the need for funded actions to achieve these targets, highlighting the importance of government accountability.

Climate Proof Canada’s Advocacy:

As a founding member of Climate Proof Canada and co-chair of the National Adaptation Strategy (NAS) Disaster Resilience and Security Advisory Table, IBC continues to work closely with the private sector, first responders, and governments to enhance Canada’s preparedness for severe weather events. Climate Proof Canada advocates for a National Adaptation Strategy that includes:

• Clear National Targets: Establishing national targets to reduce climate risk based on expert advice.
• Expanded Federal Programs: Expanding programs like the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund to $10 billion over the next five years, with $500 million dedicated to natural infrastructure solutions.
• Intergovernmental Collaboration: Facilitating dialogue between provincial, territorial, and Indigenous representatives, municipalities, and the private sector to ensure that adaptation targets are met through a collective effort.

Canada’s Global and Domestic Commitment:

At COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, Canada reiterated its commitment to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. The federal government, in collaboration with various stakeholders, is working to develop Canada’s first National Adaptation Strategy. This strategy aims to create a cohesive, whole-of-society blueprint for adaptation action, setting clear targets to limit the effects of climate change across the country.