August 12, 2005
A majority of Manitobans indicate everyone — from individuals to business and government — has a role to play in reducing pollution in the province’s rivers, lakes and reservoirs, according to a recent survey that found water quality at the top of Manitobans’ concerns when it comes to the environment.
Although the environment falls behind other issues such as health care, agriculture, infrastructure, education and justice as a top-of-mind concern, when specifically asked, the majority of Manitobans expressed concern about the state of the environment.
The survey for the Manitoba government paints a picture of Manitobans prepared for action to ensure a cleaner future. Ninety-nine per cent agree with the statement, "It is our responsibility to act today to protect our water resources for future generations." Also, a full 80 per cent of Manitobans surveyed feel that both a strong economy and a clean environment can be achieved without picking one over the other.
Other highlights of the poll:
water quality is the top environmental concern – two in three Manitobans report worrying about water pollution of lakes and rivers;
when asked to rank responsibility for solving environmental problems, 72 to 80 per cent of Manitobans laid responsibility on entities such as the provincial government, business and industry, the federal government and agriculture and forestry industries, while 65 per cent said individual citizens are responsible for solutions;
most Manitobans believe laws and regulations to protect the environment have not gone far enough when it comes to preventing water pollution (75 per cent), air pollution (62 per cent) and protecting wilderness or natural areas (48 per cent);
while six in 10 Manitobans believe the province’s water quality has declined over the past decade, more are optimistic about water quality into the future;
about 70 percent of Manitobans polled would like the government to spend more on developing renewable energy like ethanol and wind power and on supporting municipalities to upgrade waste water treatment; and
industrial pollution significantly topped the perceived risks to water quality (77 per cent), while other threats such as city and municipal waste water, farm run-off, household chemical dumping and diversion projects such as Devils Lake all scored over 50 per cent.
Manitobans also report that they have adjusted their behaviour to be more environmentally-friendly. For instance, more than 80 per cent of Manitobans say they reduce their energy use by turning off lights and turning down the thermostat.
The survey was conducted by Prairie Research Associates which contacted 1,104 Manitobans between March 23 and April 4, 2005. The survey is considered accurate to plus or minus three per cent, 19 times out of 20.
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