Albertans concerned about extreme heat, but some don’t believe in climate change: poll

A new fire guard cut strategically over the 2024/2025 winter to connect with ones cut in 2018 west of Jasper, Alberta, on Monday July 21, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken

A new survey suggests many Albertans are among the most concerned about hotter summers, heat waves and the growing frequency of wildfires but some aren’t convinced Canada’s climate is changing.

The poll, conducted by Leger, asked Canadians about their perceptions of extreme weather events and found more residents (37 per cent) were personally affected, up from 23 per cent in June.

The biggest consequences of those effects among Canadians was being forced to stay indoors due to poor air quality (65 per cent) and emotional stress (23 per cent).

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

Eighty-eight per cent of Albertans polled said they had to stay inside to escape smoky conditions while 26 per cent said they were stressed.

Thirty per cent of Albertans said they needed to postpone or cancel their travel plans due to the extreme weather.

The Leger poll also looked at attitudes of Canadians on climate change.

“Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) say changes in Canada’s climate worry them, compared to 21 per cent who are not worried and nine per cent who deny changes are happening. Worry about climate change increased slightly (four points) compared to when asked in June of 2025.

“Just over half (51 per cent) believe it is still possible to reverse the effects of climate change, while 38 per cent think it is too late.

“On the other hand, one in 10 Canadians (11 per cent) do not believe in climate change at all.”

The survey found 13 per cent of Albertans responding that “there aren’t really any changes in the climate in Canada” while 12 per cent said they “do not believe in climate change.”

Leger’s poll was conducted online on a sample size of 1,521 Canadians 18 years of age or older between Sept. 15 and 21.

For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size yields a margin of error no greater than +/- 2.51 per cent, (19 times out of 20).