Climate Change Rebound: A Moment or a Movement?

The Angus Reid Institute’s latest polling data reveals that 21% of Canadians now list climate change as one of their top three issues, a 50% increase from March. This rebound is not entirely unexpected, given the devastating wildfires that ravaged the country throughout the summer.

Younger Canadians are driving this surge in climate change concern. According to Angus Reid, 25% of those aged 18-34, 23% of those 35-55, and 16% of those over 55 see addressing climate change as a top priority. This age-based divide is not new; we’ve seen similar patterns play out in the past, with younger generations consistently showing more enthusiasm for environmental causes.

The current rebound in climate change concerns coincides with a broader shift in public opinion on the issue. Climate change was the number-one issue at the end of the last decade, with 40% of respondents listing it as one of their top concerns. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change took a significant back seat to other issues – a trend that continued well into the 2021 federal election.

The 2025 election saw all parties incorporating environmental policies into their platforms. However, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to end the consumer carbon tax was seen as a step backward by many environmental advocates. Brooks, programs director of Environmental Defence, hopes that this rebounding concern is more than just a momentary shift in public opinion.

“It’s not coming from nowhere,” said Shachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute. “But what we want to find out is: Is this a moment, or a movement?” This question gets to the heart of the issue. Can Canadians’ renewed interest in climate change be translated into sustained action and policy changes, or will it fade away once wildfires are no longer dominating the headlines?

The answer lies not only with politicians but also with individual Canadians. Brooks is right that support for climate action has never truly gone away; rather, other pressing issues have taken center stage. As he pointed out, “Just because something’s not someone’s top concern doesn’t mean it’s not a concern and it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t need to be taken seriously by governments.”

As Canadians move forward, it will be crucial for them to remain engaged on this issue – not just as a reaction to the latest environmental disaster but as a commitment to creating a more sustainable future. The real challenge now lies in translating these concerns into tangible change. As the world grapples with the devastating consequences of climate change – from record-breaking wildfires to crippling heatwaves – it’s time for Canadians to seize their moment and drive a movement towards a more sustainable, environmentally conscious future.