Ever less doubt

A BBC poll takes a look at opinions about energy around the world. And lest there be any doubt, the poll confirms that those in favour of improved conservation and energy use are in a massive majority both in Canada and around the world:

Nine in 10 Canadians fear that the way the world uses and produces energy is harming the environment. Only in Australia and Great Britain are levels of concern higher.

Canadians are also among the most concerned that energy shortages or rising prices will destabilize the world economy, with 85 per cent expressing that fear.

And more than eight in 10 Canadians are worried that competition for energy will lead to greater conflict between nations.

On all three questions, Canadians express higher levels of alarm than the international average. In all 19 nations, 81 per cent fear that energy use is harming the environment, 77 per cent think energy shortages and prices could harm the world economy and 72 per cent think energy competition could spark more conflict.

Canadians are among the most enthusiastic supporters of tax incentives for renewable energy, with 91 per cent in favour, and for requiring automakers to increase fuel efficiency, with nearly eight in 10 backing the idea.

It remains to be seen whether the Cons will continue going against the weight of public opinion by remaining disinterested both in the environmental implications of further energy development, and in the need for national conservation programs. But if so, then it may not be long before Harper and company become inextricably associated with problems which a vast majority of Canadians want to see addressed.