Vancouver – The results of a new Shell survey, “Future of Energy” conducted by Ipsos, which identifies key issues and challenges in meeting global energy needs, was released today at Shell’s Canadian Innovation Summit in Vancouver.
Among the key findings:
- 68 per cent of Canadians think that the future of energy is a very important issue, and this is higher among women and those over 40;
- Environment is seen as the most important issue related to future energy needs (27 per cent), above climate change (20 per cent) and cost (20 per cent);
- Canadians believe innovation, and collaboration between community, industry and government is the most important factor in building future energy solutions, but they also recognise they have a role to play in using less energy and by recycling.
“The survey shows Canadians care about energy and the environment, but also recognise the importance of innovating and working together to explore future energy options,” said Lorraine Mitchelmore, Shell Canada President and Country Chair. “For me it’s about how we bring innovation and collaboration together with competition. This is what we’re asking of participants at our Innovation Summit in Vancouver.”
Shell’s Canadian Innovation Summit brings together scientists, entrepreneurs, legislators, engineers, campaigners, technologists, regulators, educators, and dreamers from across Canada. They are looking for ‘Made in Canada’ innovations and adaptations to global ideas that could help Canada realize its energy opportunities.
The Innovation Summit features an array of participants including Colonel Chris Hadfield, retired Canadian Space Agency Astronaut; Lorraine Mitchelmore, Shell Canada President and Country Chair; the Honourable Christy Clark, Premier, Province of British Columbia and the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport.
Jeremy Bentham, Vice President Global Business Environment, Royal Dutch Shell PLC, is also presenting Shell’s global Mountains and Oceans New Lens Scenarios that explore two possible ways the 21st century could unfold, with dramatically different implications for society and the world’s energy system.
“This is the first time we have looked at trends in the economy, politics and energy on a country specific basis, including Canada,” said Bentham. “They highlight the need for business and government to find new ways to collaborate, fostering policies that promote the development and use of cleaner energy, and improved energy efficiency.”
The Innovation Summit also features a series of exhibits including a Liquefied Natural Gas display, the University of British Columbia’s super-energy efficient car and Shell’s oil sands’ carbon capture and storage project.
Notes to Editors:
1. Just under 7 out of 10 Canadians (68%) rate the future of energy needs as a very important issue
2. Around 1 in 3 Canadians (34%) believe that collaboration between community, industry and government is the most important factor in building future energy solutions
3. Just under 1 in 4 Canadians (23%) feel innovation is the most important; one of the highest ratings vs. other surveyed countries
4. Environment is seen as the most important issue related to the future of energy needs (27%); above climate change (20%) and cost (20%); this is highest amongst females and younger Canadians
5. 2 out of 3 Canadians (66%) think it is very important to reduce CO2 emissions
6. The majority of Canadians are acting in multiple ways to reduce CO2 emissions
7. 1 in 2 Canadians (50%) support the export of LNG and other 25% are neutral
