New survey finds Canadians would pay for low-carbon shipping

A new poll by Angus Reid Institute suggests Canadians are willing to pay extra to support sustainable shipping.

More than 60% of Canadians indicated they were willing to pay a premium on shipping for imported goods to offset carbon emissions in a new randomized online survey by the think tank, in partnership with non-profit research firm Clear Seas.

About a quarter of respondents said they’d be willing to pay 1% to 2% more.

Just shy of 20% said they’d pay more than that, including 8% who said they’d pay 5% or more.

About a third, however, said they wouldn’t pay a premium.

Clear Seas, which has hosted a public opinion poll on Canadian perceptions towards the marine shipping industry every two years since 2016, said in a release this year’s poll “demonstrates a strong public commitment to reducing the environmental impact of global trade.”

Angus Reid said in a release the poll comes amid discussion on how to decarbonize the shipping industry as the world moves towards a low-carbon future.

“Hydrogen is viewed as a potential future fuel source, and Canada is in the process of planning an expansion of its hydrogen production,” reads the report.

The poll showed Canadians prioritize domestic decarbonization of the shipping industry, favouring green hydrogen produced here at home to do it.

That said, one in six respondents said the country shouldn’t invest in hydrogen at all.

Respondents said they were concerned about the environmental risks of marine shipping, despite recognizing its economic importance.

Clear Seas said the survey results highlight a growing public awareness of the need for sustainable shipping practices and a willingness to support initiatives that reduce carbon emissions.

The poll was based on an online survey among a representative randomized sample of 1,610 Canadian adults. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.