Young, eco-anxious Canadians are the most likely to support disruptive tactics by environmental activists, study finds
The tolerance of individual Canadians for radical forms of environmental activism depends on several factors. Overall, however, Canadians do not support vandalism or violence as forms of protest. Those are the key findings of a new study by researchers from McGill University and Université Laval. The findings are published in the Canadian Journal of Political Science.
A new study from McGill University and Université Laval reveals that Canadian youth, those highly concerned about climate change, and those attributing blame to governments or large corporations are most likely to back disruptive environmental activism tactics, while vehemently opposing violent actions. The research, published in the Canadian Journal of Political Science, analyzed data from a 1,500-person Canadian survey conducted in summer 2022.
While the vast majority of Canadians refuse to endorse violence or destruction as protest methods, the study shows a greater willingness among younger individuals (under age 33), those with higher climate change concerns, and those who believe responsibility lies with institutions rather than individuals. The findings underscore the tension between the urgency of addressing climate change and public reluctance to support more radical protest methods.
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