Canadians have turned to nature in significant numbers to help them cope with the impacts of COVID-19.
A new Ipsos poll conducted for the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) reveals that 94 per cent of people credit time spent in nature with helping them to relieve the stress and anxiety of the pandemic’s second wave.
It says the trend is especially prevalent among women and young families.
More than 85 per cent of people surveyed say access to nature has been important to maintaining their mental health. Three in four Canadians say time spent outdoors is more important to them now than ever before.
The NCC says from backyard birds and urban foxes to increased use of trails and parks, anecdotally, Canadians report a greater awareness of nature in their lives since the pandemic began. The survey is one of the first to try to measure that impact. The findings reinforce the inextricable connection between nature and health. Clean air, clean water and healthy foods all come from nature. At a time when health is a top priority for Canadians, nine in ten surveyed say we need to invest more to restore and care for the natural areas that sustain us all. By taking care of nature, we take care of each other.
The survey coincides with the conclusion of the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Landmark Campaign – the boldest fundraising drive for nature ever in Canada.
For more details or donate, please click here.
Did you know that through the Landmark Campaign, you’ve protected over 500 places across Canada? Take a virtual tour through three of these places with NCC’s Naturescapes!
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— NatureConservancy.ca (@NCC_CNC) January 28, 2021
