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About 84 per cent of B.C. respondents said climate change represented a major threat to the future of their children and grandchildren, and 57 per cent said the government was doing too little to combat it.

Residents in B.C. were among Canada’s most supportive of federal actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to the findings of the Policy Alternatives poll, which was done by Abacus. That included measures like ending the use of coal to generate electricity, phasing out fossil fuels, and requiring energy-efficient buildings.

Klein commissioned the survey for a book he is writing, but he said he decided to release the findings now, ahead of an election in which he believes climate change policy will play a central role.

“I wanted to release it now because I think what it says to political parties is up your game. Don’t be afraid to be bold because the public is saying they’re looking for that kind of leadership,” Klein said.

Klein said that of the plans released to date, he liked those of the NDP and Green party.

The NDP’s plan is largely focused on support for clean energy practices and jobs, while the Greens propose to nearly eliminate fossil fuel use in Canada by mid-century, among other things.

Klein said he liked the NDP plan for the connections it makes to inequality and Indigenous rights as well as its emphasis on a transition for fossil fuel workers. He liked the Greens plan for its firm climate target dates and rejection of new fossil fuel infrastructure, he said.