The Lorax Effect: A Statistical Analysis of Environmental Concern in Canada

Abstract

As the globe continues to experience the effects of climate change, it is crucial that researchers continue to investigate factors that contribute to individuals’ attitudes concerning climate change. This study utilizes survey data of 1,539 Canadians gathered in 2019. The data was analyzed using ordinary least square linear regression to analyze how political ideology, gender, and level of education correlate with individuals’ level of environmental concern. Females are more concerned, on average, about the environment, compared to males. Within the Canadian context, there is no statistically significant relationship between level of education and concern for the environment. Overall, Canadians seem to be relatively concerned about the environment regardless of their level of education. Canadians with a conservative political ideology have a lower level of environmental concern in comparison to their liberal counterparts. Canadians gender identity seems to influence their level of environmental concern, although, more representation of non-binary individuals is needed in future data-gathering to analyze non-binary individuals’ level of environmental concern. The paper offers further discussion of these variables' effects on level of environmental concern.

Department: Sociology 

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Shelley Boulianne