Climate conscious: Edmontonians’ views on climate action in 2024

Edmontonians care deeply about climate change and we continue to hear that through our annual Edmonton Climate Change and Energy Perceptions surveys. The 2024 survey results reveal that while most Edmontonians support urgent climate action, they underestimate how many others share their views.

Support for climate action in Edmonton is high

This is the eighth time that the City of Edmonton has conducted its annual Climate Change and Energy Perceptions Survey, and the results show strong and consistent support for climate action. About three-quarters of Edmontonians are concerned about climate change (73%) and believe we need to act now to address it (74%). These numbers have remained steady since we started conducting the survey, showing that climate concerns are deeply rooted among those living in our city.

Underestimating shared concern

Edmontonians tend to underestimate how concerned their fellow community members are about climate change. While 73% of respondents are personally concerned about the issue, they believe only half (50%) of other Edmontonians feel the same. Similarly, 74% think immediate action is needed, but they estimate that only 47% of others agree.

This pattern of underestimation extends to personal action as well. While 63% of respondents want to do more to address climate change, they believe only 42% of Edmontonians are equally motivated. And though 63% are already taking steps to reduce their impact, they assume just 35% of others are doing so. In reality, many Edmontonians are committed to tackling climate change, even if they don't realize how many of their neighbours share this commitment.

In a new question on this year's survey, 63% of respondents believe that it is not too late to take action to reduce the impacts of climate change.

Economic opportunities in climate action

Beyond environmental concerns, Edmontonians are also aware of the economic opportunities that come with addressing climate change. About two-thirds of respondents believe that investing in energy efficiency (67%) and transitioning to renewable energy (65%) can create jobs in the city. More than half (59%) also view efforts to prevent climate change as an economic opportunity for Edmonton.

Feeling the impacts of a changing climate

The survey highlights a strong understanding of how climate change impacts extreme weather. A large majority of respondents (81%) recognize that risks like flooding, heatwaves, and wildfires are due to a changing climate. In fact, 91% of residents have experienced extreme weather events in the past two years, with wildfire smoke (83%) and extreme heat (64%) being the most common experiences.

Many Edmontonians have taken steps to protect their homes from weather-related events. Three-quarters (76%) have done things like trimming weak tree branches in anticipation of high winds or sealing drafts to maintain indoor air quality.

Personal actions for climate change

97% of respondents report they've personally taken steps to reduce their impact on the environment over the past year. The most common actions include reducing food waste (81%), switching to LED bulbs (76%) and washing clothes in cold water (74%).

The City of Edmonton helps Edmontonians and property owners to take climate action in many ways. Programs like the Clean Energy Improvement Program and the multi-unit residential property solar rebate program provide support for anyone looking to make renewable energy upgrades, while communities can use the Neighbouring for Climate toolkit to support climate action right in their neighbourhoods.

Transportation choices

While the survey suggests that most Edmontonians continue to rely on cars as their primary mode of transportation, those using a motor vehicle as the most frequent means has decreased to 68% down six points from last year. Walking, riding as a passenger and other forms of transport are also popular choices.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction in Edmonton. In 2019, when the survey first posed this question, 61% of respondents reported having no experience with EVs. In just six years, significant gains have been made with only 36% now saying they have no experience.

The role of municipal government

Those surveyed believe the City of Edmonton should continue playing an active role in addressing climate change. A total of 39% want the City to increase its efforts, while 22% think the current level of action should be maintained. Only a small number (13%) believe Edmonton should decrease its efforts.

Since City Council declared a climate emergency in 2019, the City of Edmonton has rolled out various initiatives aimed at reducing the City's environmental impact. To learn more about the City's climate action plans, view the Energy Transition Strategy and Action Plan and the Climate Resilient Edmonton: Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan.

Edmonton continues to make strides in climate action, showing that we can make a change for climate, together.

Read the full report (9 MB).

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