Political Orientation Influences Climate Change and Health in Canada

Adults in Canada with a conservative political orientation tend to attribute physical inactivity to individual responsibility and are less likely to support climate-health co-benefits policy actions. Meanwhile, centrists show mixed support for such policies, favoring those that are cost-effective. Most Canadians recognize the importance of physical activity, but support for climate-health co-benefits policies varies by political orientation.

Key Takeaways:

• Political orientation has a significant impact on health behaviors and policy support in Canada, particularly when it comes to physical activity and climate change.
• Adults with a conservative political orientation are more likely to attribute physical inactivity to individual responsibility, while those with a liberal orientation see it as a societal issue.
• Centrists show mixed support for climate-health co-benefits policy actions, with a preference for cost-effective measures.
• The attribution of causes for physical inactivity is associated with lower support for policy actions among conservatives.
• Tailoring public health messages and policy advocacy strategies to align with varying political orientations may be essential for addressing climate-health co-benefits and broader public health implications in Canada.
• The study found no associations between political orientation and perceived importance of physical activity or adherence to physical activity guidelines.
• The research highlights the need to consider the role of political orientation in shaping public health policy and promoting climate action.

Statistics:

• 1,717 adults participated in the Social Climate Survey 2.0.
• The odds ratio (OR) for centrists attributing physical inactivity to individual responsibility was 1.63 (95% CI: 1.25-2.08).
• The OR for conservatives attributing physical inactivity to individual responsibility was 1.76 (95% CI: 1.33-2.32).
• Liberals were more likely to support climate-health co-benefits policy actions compared to centrists (OR: 2.23) and conservatives (OR: 5.16).
• The study found that 65% of Canadian adults recognized the importance of physical activity.

Sources:

• The Journal of Climate Change and Health, 2025, 23(), 100453 (DOI: 10.1016/j.joclim.2025.100453)
• Queen's University Researchers Advance Knowledge in Climate Change and Health (The political landscape of physical activity and climate action in Canada's social climate). Health & Medicine Week. July 18, 2025; p 3358.
• Social Climate Survey 2.0 (18 years+ data)