24% of young Canadians would consider moving due to wildfire smoke: survey

A recent study shows one-quarter of young Canadian adults would consider permanently relocating away from wildfire smoke and fumes.

As wildfires threaten Kelowna and Yellowknife, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate their homes, a study undertaken by the non-profit Angus Reid Institute and released today, Aug. 22, reveals the fear Canadians have for the future and what people believe is causing the fires.

The study found that the majority of Canadians (70%) believe that this fire season has been terrible or worse than usual in their province.

More than half of Canadians (55%) expect worse fires in the future, while one-quarter (26%) think that the current record-breaking conditions will be the new normal.

However, there remains a clear divide between what people believe is causing the fire. 

While most (59%) think that climate change is directly contributing to worsening fire seasons, one-third still disagree.

Three-in-five Canadians believe that climate change represents a “crisis” that must be addressed urgently.

However, one-in-ten think the opportunity to act on the climate crisis has already passed and another group of one-in-nine Canadians (11%) – including one-quarter of past Conservative voters (24%) – say that nothing needs to be done and the situation is fine as it is.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Georgina Whitehouse or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here.