Close X
Thursday, November 14, 2024
ADVT 
National

Survey Finds Growing Disconnect Between Canadians And Nature

The Canadian Press, 27 Sep, 2018 06:50 PM
    TORONTO — A survey for the Nature Conservancy of Canada indicates Canadians feel happier when they are connected to nature, but fewer are making the effort to get out of the house.
     
     
    The online survey of 2,000 Canadians found 87 per cent of respondents felt happier, healthier and more productive when connected to nature.
     
     
    But 74 per cent of respondents say that it is simply easier to spend time indoors and 66 per cent say they spend less time in nature than they used to.
     
     
    It also found more than 80 per cent of respondents are concerned that accessible natural areas will not be there for future generations and that 94 per cent of Canadians are aware of the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature.
     
     
    The Nature Conservancy released the survey results Thursday to highlight its Landmark Campaign — an effort to double the land and water conserved by the NCC to more than 2.4 million hectares.
     
     
    To inspire Canadians to contribute to the campaign, the NCC has curated a pop-up art exhibit called Nature and Me, featuring nature photography and reflections from notable Canadians, that will travel across the country.
     
     
    Jim Cuddy, Ed Burtynsky, Rick Mercer, Clara Hughes and Adam van Koeverden are among those sharing their stories in the Nature and Me exhibit to highlight the importance of nature as an inspiration in their lives.
     
     
    The survey, conducted by Ipsos Research, also indicated that Canadians spend an average of 1.3 hours per day in nature during the week and two hours on the weekend.
     
     
    Eighty-eight per cent of those surveyed said that reducing stress was a benefit of nature, while 57 per cent listed lowering blood pressure as a benefit.
     
     
    Among the reasons cited for spending time indoors were busy personal lives and environmental factors such as rain, snow, bugs and insects.
     
     
    The Landmark Campaign has already raised $551-million towards its $750-million goal and completed 390 of 500 planned projects, which include restoring rare habitats, supporting species at risk, and improving the quality of air and water.
     
     
    "We are at a turning point," Nature Conservancy president John Lounds said in a release. "It's time to talk boldly about the tangible benefits nature provides, and the urgency and importance of protecting it."

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Heavy Rain And Wind Forecast For B.C.'s South Coast: Environment Canada

    VANCOUVER — Environment Canada says British Columbia's south coast will be drenched by two Pacific storms over the next few days.

    Heavy Rain And Wind Forecast For B.C.'s South Coast: Environment Canada

    Homeless Campers In Provincial Park Near Victoria Given One-Day Reprieve To Vacate

    Homeless Campers In Provincial Park Near Victoria Given One-Day Reprieve To Vacate
    LANGFORD, B.C. — A group of homeless people who pitched tents in a provincial park near Victoria have been given an extension to stay after being ordered out earlier this week.

    Homeless Campers In Provincial Park Near Victoria Given One-Day Reprieve To Vacate

    Charges Laid Against Oregon Man After Police Chase From Border To Vancouver

    Charges Laid Against Oregon Man After Police Chase From Border To Vancouver
    An Oregon man faces charges of dangerous operation of a vehicle and flight from a peace officer after a police chase from the Canadian border into Vancouver.

    Charges Laid Against Oregon Man After Police Chase From Border To Vancouver

    Abbotsford Police Take Man Into Custody After Shooting In Residential Neighbourhood

    A male is in custody this morning in relation to a shooting incident occurring last night on Flagman Place.

    Abbotsford Police Take Man Into Custody After Shooting In Residential Neighbourhood

    Collision Between Two Large Trucks Leaves One Dead In Abbotsford

    This afternoon at 3:33 pm, Abbotsford Emergency Services responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of #5 Road and Dixon Road.

    Collision Between Two Large Trucks Leaves One Dead In Abbotsford

    Homicide Team Called After Man’s Body Found In Richmond Home

    IHIT is in RichmondBC this afternoon after a man's body was found this morning in a residence in the 9000-block of Odlin Road. Death was deemed suspicious.

    Homicide Team Called After Man’s Body Found In Richmond Home