Awareness of and preparation for climate change adaptation

As the impacts of climate change intensify, a growing share of the population will need to adapt. Federal agencies can better support Canadians by researching how people expect their routines, property, and livelihoods to be affected. In collaboration with partners at NRCAN and ECCC we identified key information gaps in the Canadian context related to enabling effective adaptation. These priority areas included, among others, how Canadians manage risks to property, what resources and tools are used for gathering information, and how Canadians plan and make decisions around weather.

We conducted a survey^* of 2,566 Canadians (Nov-Dec 2024) about their beliefs and behaviours in these areas. Some highlights from the results include:

• Two-thirds of Canadians agree climate change is increasing the cost of insurance premiums for their homes, but few (13-15%) feel their properties are fully prepared for the impacts of extreme weather, and a quarter are unsure if their existing policy covers this kind of damage.
• Many report unrealized plans for preparing their property for extreme weather (29-54%). Cost is the primary barrier to Canadians taking adaptation actions, followed by a lack of knowledge or understanding about “where to start”.
• The sources deemed most credible on adaptation issues were scientists and governments. On weather issues specifically, meteorologists and governments were viewed as most credible.
• Only a fifth (22%) of Canadians say that they respond quickly to extreme weather warnings.

The findings show that Canadians are concerned about impacts of climate change on everyday life but may be underprepared. These results will help inform policy and communications at NRCAN and ECCC.

^* Data and materials are accessible on Library and Archives Canada.

For further information on our research contact iiu-uii@pco-bcp.gc.ca.