Among all the issues facing the world today, Canadians are most concerned about the environment and global warming - mentioned by one-third of the population as top issues - far ahead of war (8%), turmoil in Iraq and the Middle East (6%), conflict in Afghanistan (5%) and poverty (5%), according to a new survey by TNS Canadian Facts.

The survey found that two-thirds of Canadians are more concerned about global warming now than they were a year ago. This sentiment strengthens the further back in time Canadians assess their views on the issue, with nearly eight in ten saying they are more alarmed about global warming today compared to three years ago.

"Ravaging storms in British Columbia, December's unseasonal temperatures, and increased media attention on climate change have Canadians talking about global warming and demanding action," said Richard Jenkins, vice-president of TNS Canadian Facts.

In fact, Canadians have noticed increased coverage of global warming in the media, with more than 80 per cent saying they have been hearing more about it in the news recently compared to a year ago. The survey also found that the environment and global warming are top concerns among all Canadians, even among those who would vote Conservative if a Federal election were held today.

"Canadians of all political stripes are looking to the federal government to provide a leadership role, and the political agenda turning green these past two weeks is a reflection of that, but an important question is 'are Canadians willing to change their behaviour?'" asked Jenkins.

"The results of our study suggest that a majority of Canadians are willing to make some simple changes in their daily lifestyle to limit
greenhouse-gas emissions, but they are less prepared to take drastic action," he added.

The top three actions that Canadians are most likely to take to help the environment are recycling (87% probably or definitely will), purchasing appliances that are energy efficient (71%), and replacing traditional light bulbs with environmentally-friendly ones (66%).

Activities that would reduce harmful emissions to produce energy - and lower household utility bills - are also high on the list of steps that
Canadians say they are willing to take. These activities include turning down the heat in the winter, using less air conditioning in the summer, and washing clothing only in cold water.

Canadians are not as willing, though, to change their driving habits. Taking public transit more often is an action that one-third of the population say they definitely would not or probably would not do.

"Despite the popular myth that B.C. is the greenest province, Quebecers actually appear most willing among Canadians to make lifestyle changes. They are more willing to reduce emissions from cars by walking, riding bicycles, taking public transportation and carpooling more often," said Jenkins.

"And Quebecers are more prepared to take drastic measures, like installing solar panels to heat and cool their homes, buying hybrid vehicles, and spending 10 per cent more on products that have less of an impact on the environment."

Despite the attempts of some to suggest that global warming is merely a theory, Canadians aren't buying it, as more than eight in 10 interviewed in the survey are convinced that global warming has been scientifically proven.

The poll also found that an equally high proportion of Canadians are hopeful that global warming can be slowed.