The fires in Maui, Hawaii, the torrential rains that have battered several locations in Quebec, and the fires in Kelowna that are threatening farms, orchards, and vineyards in the Okanagan Valley are making headlines this summer. The media inundates us with images of increasingly frequent and devastating natural disasters, making climate change an important part of our reality. But how does this affect our food choices?

In partnership with Caddle, our Agricultural and Food Analytics Laboratory conducted a nationwide study of 5,450 Canadians on their summer eating habits and measured the impact of climate change on their perceptions of food security. The results of this survey, conducted a few weeks ago, are revealing and raise the question of the growing impact of climate change on the contents of our plates.

The survey shows that 52% of Canadians are very or extremely concerned about climate change. A valid concern as 73% of Canadians believe that climate change is affecting the weather and leading to higher temperatures in Canada.

When it comes to food production, 61% of Canadians believe climate change is affecting the country’s ability to produce food. However, it is encouraging to note that despite these concerns, 60% of Canadians believe we will continue to have access to the same foods regardless of climate change and habits. This suggests some confidence in the resilience of our food system.

Still, Canadians value food availability. Almost half of them, 47%, fear that climate change will affect food availability. Some have already noticed these changes, with 40% of those surveyed saying they have noticed fluctuations in the availability or variety of certain foods during the summer over the last few years.

Additionally, environmental concerns are now influencing some people’s food choices. Nearly 38% of Canadians often or always consider environmental impact when making their summer food choices. This shows a gradual shift to a more sustainable diet, while considering the impact on the environment.

However, there are regional differences across the country. Quebec has the highest proportion (48%) of people who consider environmental impact when making food choices during the summer, while residents of Saskatchewan have the lowest proportion at 26%. These differences can be explained by several factors, including regional dietary habits and awareness of climate issues. In addition, the proximity of city dwellers to farmers varies enormously from province to province.

In summary, the results of this study clearly show that Canadians are becoming more aware of the links between climate change and their diet. The natural disasters that regularly plague our country are sobering, and environmental concerns are further influencing our food choices.

However, the growing awareness of climate issues in our diet does not necessarily mean that we should panic and, for example, avoid meat altogether. The transition to a more sustainable diet can be gradual, making greener choices where possible while continuing to enjoy the foods we love.

Small actions, like buying local and seasonal produce or reducing food waste, can have a big impact in reducing our environmental footprint. The most important thing is to be informed, make informed decisions and support more sustainable farming and food practices, which is good for both our health and the planet.