The Survey

Survey report (PDF: 644k)

The survey (PDF: 182k)

Survey Report: Executive Summary

This report provides a discussion of the results from a 1999 survey sponsored by the Climate Change Action Fund in conjunction with the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) and Health Canada, and completed in partnership with the College of Family Physicians of Canada, the Canadian Nurses Association, the Canadian School Boards Association, Friends of the Earth and TransAlta Corporation. The survey, which was distributed to 195 education, environment, health and private sector organizations across Canada was designed in such a way as to provide interviewers and respondents with a guide to successfully complete the survey and provide relevant background information. In total, 188 surveys were completed over the telephone by interviewers. Care in ensuring reasonable sample size, sectoral distribution and selection procedures, particularly with respect to private sector participation, suggests that generalizations and conclusions on initiatives and opportunities are valid. The survey was designed to increase the understanding of public awareness initiatives linking health, climate change and air pollution and to provide the information required to more effectively raise awareness of these issues. Here are some key findings:
 

• The majority of organizations surveyed regarded the health effects of climate change and air pollution as major areas of concern. However, they noted a lack of awareness of the root cause of climate change as well as skilled human resources to convey this message.
   
• Few of the public awareness initiatives (PAIs) identified directly link the health effects of climate change and air pollution although many organizations indicated a willingness and opportunities to do so with existing and future PAIs. Most of the PAIs are devoted to the health effects of air pollution with less than 15% of organizations having developed any specific, official policy or position statement on the health effects of climate change.
   
• There is a need for well thought out and consistent messages to ensure the Canadian public receives consistent messages which are reinforced through a number of sources and channels. Messages must be written in plain language and accessible in a variety of formats including the internet and in print. Certain populations such as aboriginal peoples and other at risk groups including individuals with allergies, asthma and other chronic illnesses, are conspicuously absent from existing PAIs in this area.
   
• Because the health effects of air pollution and climate change are regionally unique, such variations should be considered when developing messages and approaches. .There is a need for resource materials on the health effects of climate change and air pollution designed to educate health providers, (e.g. tools and resources for public health workers involved in school programs) and other audiences (e.g. youth, business, the public in general). In addition, it is important for CPHA to forge closer links with private sector businesses who are committed to environmental stewardship and to explore the extent of business involvement in environmental awareness initiatives.
   
• Organizations surveyed noted that the federal government is providing financial resources and some leadership; however, a central coordinating group or body was recommended to coordinate current and future PAIs in the health and environment area. Respondents noted that a coordinating body that could assist in matching organizations with complimentary capacity and strengths, is critical in developing and implementing effective public awareness initiatives. Such a coordinating body would also prevent duplication and lead to the more cost-effective use of resources.
   
• A lack of funding for the development of public education and outreach activities is evident. A lot of time and resources are spent developing proposals to secure funding for these activities, in particular among non-profit organizations. Although a number of the organizations surveyed have established networks for getting messages out, many indicated they lack sufficient human and material resources to do so.
   
• Those organizations who are involved in climate change and air pollution initiatives noted that the top three determinants of success in such initiatives are: effective partnerships, research and knowledge and adequate funding.