Poll Shows Canadian Participation in Earth Hour

Over half (56%) said they reduced their energy use during Earth Hour on March 29th. 21% did not, and 19% said they were not aware of the Earth Hour initiative.

A new Canadian Press Harris/Decima survey (pdf) asked Canadians about the Earth Hour initiative. Results: - 56% said they reduced their energy use during Earth Hour on March 29th. 21% did not, and 19% said they were not aware of the Earth Hour initiative. - Ontarians were by far the most active energy savers, with 73% saying they reduced their energy use. A plurality in all other regions participated. - Women (60%) were more likely than men (52%) to have reduced energy use during Earth Hour, while almost equal numbers across age groups did so. - Supporters of the Green Party (69%) and the Liberals (64%) were more likely to have participated in Earth Hour than supporters of the Conservatives (53%) and the Bloc Quebecois (39%). - Awareness of the initiative was highest in Ontario, at 86%, and lowest in Quebec (67%), Alberta (70%) and British Columbia (73%). - Most Canadians (58%) believe Earth Hour should occur more regularly. 36% prefer once a month, 10% once a week and 12% once a day. One-in-three (29%) believe that the current practice of once a year should continue, while 9% believe the idea should be dropped entirely. • 96% of those who participated in Earth Hour feel that the initiative should continue to occur. Among those who knew of the initiative, but did not participate, 74% believe that Earth Hour should continue to occur in the future, while 79% of those who did not know about Earth Hour feel it’s an initiative that should continue.