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  3. Beliefs about the role of nuclear energy in Canada’s transition to net zero
Research Abstract

Beliefs about the role of nuclear energy in Canada’s transition to net zero

Impact Canada, Impact & Innovation Unit, Privy Council Office
Cartoon illustration of a nuclear reactor.

Canada’s electricity system currently draws more than 80% of its generation from low or non emitting sources, making it central to national climate and energy security goals. While hydro remains dominant, nuclear energy also makes an important contribution, and the Canada Energy Regulator predicts considerable growth in nuclear output if Canada is to achieve net-zero-emissions by 2050. Nuclear energy is therefore expected to play an important role in the transition of Canada’s electricity system to net-zero and to meet rapidly growing energy demand. How Canadians understand and evaluate nuclear energy, including perceived risks, benefits, and support for policy investment, will in part shape the speed and success of this transition, making it an important area for investigation.

We surveyed 1,994 Canadian adults in Jan-Feb 2024 to better understand their knowledge of nuclear energy, perceived benefits and risks associated with increased nuclear generation, and support for further investment. We found that Canadians have both low self-reported and evaluated knowledge of nuclear energy and overestimate the amount of nuclear energy that is generated in Canada. While many Canadians support further developing both conventional nuclear power plants and small modular reactors, more than a third have no clear opinion. Belief that investing further in nuclear energy will increase economic growth in Canada, lower GHG emissions, and reduce the need for energy imports predicts higher support for nuclear energy development, while belief in the potential for accidents and negative health outcomes predicts lower support. Findings from this research will help to inform policy proposals and public communications about nuclear energy.

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

Published: 2026-04-20
Last modified: 2026-04-21
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  3. The potential and limitations of forests as a climate solution
Research Abstract

The potential and limitations of forests as a climate solution

Impact Canada, Impact & Innovation Unit, Privy Council Office
Cartoon illustration of forest fire in background while tree in foreground absorbs carbon.

Forests play an important role in the carbon cycle, both absorbing carbon from the atmosphere (through photosynthesis) and releasing carbon into it (through burning and decay). Because of this, forests have the potential to both mitigate climate change and contribute to it, a lesser-known fact. Due to the complicated role that forests play in mitigating climate change— —and the potential for misconceptions about this role to leave people susceptible to climate misinformation—scientists in NRCan’s Canadian Forest Service approached Impact Canada about conducting a study to explore what Canadians know about forest carbon.

We surveyed 1,994 adults in Canada about their perceptions of forest carbon and climate change in January and February of 2024. Results showed that while Canadians generally understand that trees and forests absorb carbon and can help mitigate climate change, there is less awareness of the role of forests as a source of carbon emissions. While factors like wildfires and insect disturbances have turned Canada’s managed forests1 into an overall carbon source in recent decades—meaning they consistently emit more carbon into the atmosphere than they absorb—most survey respondents believed the opposite, still viewing Canada’s forests as a carbon sink. The misconception that climate change can be limited by planting trees instead of reducing the use of coal, oil, and natural gas was also common.

These results informed the development of educational materials2 to help people understand both the potential and limitations of forests as a climate solution.

1 “Managed forest” refers to forested land where humans have a direct impact on how much carbon is absorbed, stored, and emitted. This includes forests managed for purposes like timber production and conservation and covers approximately two-thirds of all forest land in Canada. In line with commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Government of Canada reports annually on emissions and removals of greenhouse gases in managed forests.

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

Published: 2026-04-20
Last modified: 2026-04-21
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  3. Attitudes and Behaviours towards Plastic Waste and Pollution, and Reuse
Research Abstract

Attitudes and Behaviours towards Plastic Waste and Pollution, and Reuse

Impact Canada, Impact & Innovation Unit, Privy Council Office
Disposable plastic water bottle with recycling symbol behind it.

Plastic waste is a growing environmental challenge in Canada, with roughly 4 million tonnes generated annually, and only 9% recycled. Public concern is shaped by visible impacts on waterways, wildlife, and landfills. While past research shows strong public support for reducing plastic pollution, less is known about behavioural drivers and barriers across the population. This study addresses that gap by examining Canadians’ attitudes and behaviours toward plastic waste prevention and reuse systems.

Using a weighted national sample of 2,524 adults (March 2024), we analyzed self-reported attitudes and behaviours related to plastic waste and reuse. The study finds that most Canadians view preventing plastic waste as highly important, with recycling being the most common behaviour and reuse or upstream reduction less frequent. Frequent bottled water buyers cited taste and perceived quality as reasons to buy water, while infrequent buyers emphasized convenience constraints as reasons they would purchase. Stronger pro-climate attitudes, higher education, and older age predicted greater perceived importance of preventing plastic waste. Nearly three quarters of respondents expressed willingness to participate in reuse systems if prices matched single use alternatives.

Policy efforts should prioritize making reuse and refill systems more convenient and accessible to help remove their largest barrier. Insights can help provide guidance in designing interventions aligned with behavioural realities.

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