Polls show waning interest in climate change among B.C. voters

On the night of B.C.’s provincial election on Oct. 19, a devastating rainstorm hit the South Coast, resulting in the loss of at least four lives. This tragic event marked another deadly climate disaster to strike the region, underscoring the urgent need for action on climate change. Despite the direct impact of the storm, much of the election campaign leading up to the event focused on other issues such as housing affordability and drug toxicity.

Polls leading up to the election consistently showed that climate change had slipped behind concerns like public safety and the cost of living in the minds of British Columbians. Environmental activists and the B.C. Green Party have voiced their commitment to bringing the health of the planet back to the forefront of public consciousness.

However, pollster Mario Canseco suggests that climate change and environmental issues may be politically challenging for parties to campaign on, especially in the current climate of economic uncertainty and rising living costs. According to his research, only around four per cent of respondents listed the environment as the most important issue facing them.

The focus on the province’s carbon tax during the election campaign highlighted the shifting priorities of voters. Both the B.C. NDP and B.C. Conservatives proposed changes to the tax to alleviate financial burdens on residents, drawing both criticism and support. Canseco noted that the global financial crisis of 2008 had a similar impact on public opinion regarding climate change, shifting priorities away from environmental concerns.

Isabel Siu-Zmuidzinas, a climate campaigner, emphasized the need for politicians to link issues like public transit and housing affordability to climate change. She argued that climate disasters have significant economic costs and should be a central consideration in policy-making.

The B.C. Green Party, which recently secured a seat in the legislature, aims to present solutions that go beyond a two-party system and encompass a wide range of issues, including climate change. Jeremy Valeriote, the newly-elected Green MLA, stressed the importance of maintaining focus on climate action while addressing other pressing concerns.

Moving forward, environmental activists and the Green Party will continue to push for climate action and environmental protection, leveraging their influence in the government to advocate for policies that prioritize the health of the planet. As the province grapples with the aftermath of the recent climate disaster, the need for decisive action on climate change has never been more apparent.