3M study shows pandemic has made Canadians more environmentally conscious

LONDON — New research from the annual 3M State of Science Index (SOSI) reports 63 per cent of Canadians feel the COVID-19 pandemic has made them more environmentally conscious. The rise in support for the environment is being driven by younger generations, with Generation Z adults significantly more likely to exhibit this sentiment (81 per cent).

In addition, SOSI indicates that Canadians believe people should follow the science to help make the world more sustainable (90 per cent), and there’s a sense of urgency around climate change, with 84 per cent of Canadians agreeing better solutions to mitigate climate change need to be put in place immediately.

“In the fight against climate change, every action makes a difference. Whether it’s carpooling to work, recycling goods you no longer need, or purchasing products from companies who make sustainability a priority, citizens and companies need to make the best choices they can when it comes to the environment,” said Richard Chartrand, Director, USAC Research and Development Operations and Canada Sustainability Leader, 3M Canada.

“It is not surprising the rise in support for the environment, sustainability and climate change is being driven by younger generations, and that cohort is going to help infuse that sense of urgency throughout the business, government, academic and social environment in Canada“, said Pamela Schwartzberg, President and CEO, Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF). “LSF is focused on transforming Canada’s education system through innovative programs that empower youth and educators and promote, through education, the knowledge, skills, values, perspectives and practices essential to a sustainable future.”

Key findings from 2021 3M State of Science Index include:

• Equally, across all generations, 90% of Canadians believe people should follow the science to help make the world more sustainable;
• Most Canadians (89%) believe that science gives hope for the future and 85% are hopeful that 2021 will be a better year than 2020 because of science;
• Ninety-three per cent of Canadians recognize scientists as being critical to our future well-being in light of the pandemic;
• Forty-four per cent of Canadians are more inspired to pursue a STEM career due to the pandemic;
• Aside from the pandemic, Canadians consider climate change to be one of the top priorities for science to solve (53 per cent)