Americans Are Pulling Back From Canadians On A National Park Issue The U.S. Interior Department Continues To Crack Down On
An update was made on April 6, 2026, with new climate change data related to Americans and Canadians. Reactions to the new climate change data were also added. The article was initially published on April 5, 2026.
U.S. and Canadian national parks appear to be headed in different directions when it comes to a particular issue: climate change. In Canada, Banff National Park is about to get more expensive for visitors, with a new parking fee for the Sulphur Mountain area. Starting in May, visitors will have to pay for parking as Parks Canada seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and address congestion.
Over in the U.S., the opposite is happening. Glacier National Park recently implemented several bans, including on a brochure, a video, and a gift shop sign, all related to climate change.
These climate change crackdowns have been continued by the Interior Department, and a recent survey suggests more Americans are taking climate change-related issues less seriously.
Here’s a closer look at the data and the divide between Canadians and Americans.
Americans And Canadians Are Increasingly Divided On Climate Change
Canadians and Americans are drifting further apart on climate change, according to a recent Research Co. survey. The latest poll numbers indicate that fewer than half of Americans believe climate change is real and primarily caused by human activity. The number of Americans who believe in climate change has now dropped to 48%.
The number is down 3% compared to a similar poll conducted by the firm in November 2024.
On the contrary, Canadians are showing growing concern about climate change, with 63% of respondents calling it a real issue caused by humans. The number has also increased by 3% compared to the last poll in 2024.
The current divide is the largest between Canada and the United States.
Research Co. said in a statement regarding the results, “The difference in perceptions of human-made climate change in Canada and the United States has never been as large as it is in 2026. While 13 per cent of respondents in the United States believe climate change is a theory that has not been proven, only 9 per cent of respondents in Canada concur.”
Americans also had a higher percentage of respondents who believed climate change is a natural phenomenon. The change in opinion may be due to the current administration.
The Interior Department removed several pieces of climate change-related information due to U.S. government mandates. These bans have continued since last year, not only in national parks but also on websites.
The National Park Service Continues To Crack Down On Climate Change Information
On March 27, 2025, the administration released the executive order, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” The order was meant to “restore truth” and review certain materials that may be considered false regarding American history.
The order states, “The Secretary of the Interior shall determine whether, since January 1, 2020, public monuments, memorials, statues, markers, or similar properties within the Department of the Interior’s jurisdiction have been removed or changed to perpetuate a false reconstruction of American history, inappropriately minimize the value of certain historical events or figures, or include any other improper partisan ideology.”
That crackdown has included several adjustments related to climate change signs across U.S. national parks. Acadia National Park removed a sign on Cadillac Mountain that reminded visitors that changing weather can cause millions of dollars in damage. Even a sign promoting reducing the carbon footprint was removed.
This year, Glacier National Park has also been ordered to remove several items related to climate change. Bans include a brochure showing an image of a melting glacier and a video about disappearing glaciers. Even gift shop signs that read, “Climate Change Affects National Parks and the Treasures They Protect,” are up for review.
The crackdowns are expected to continue, as the Interior Department keeps a closer eye on “disparaging material.”
What The Interior Department Has Said About The Crackdown
The U.S. Interior Department has issued brief statements on its changes to climate change-related signage and information. The Interior Department says it is complying with the executive order issued last year.
“All federal agencies are to review interpretive materials to ensure accuracy, honesty, and alignment with shared national values. Following completion of the required review, the National Park Service is now taking appropriate action in accordance with the Order.”
Along with signs, even website information related to climate change is disappearing on national park websites. Among the items removed was text that stated, “Human activities are changing the Earth’s climate.”
For many, the changes have been negative, especially related to free speech.
How Park Visitors Are Reacting To The Climate Change Bans
Visitors and politicians have reacted negatively to some of the changes. Chellie Pingree, an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for Maine, tells The Washington Post that signs encouraging visitors to reduce their carbon footprint are “outrageous.”
“This is an outrageous assault on our free speech and ability to educate each other.”
“It’s just bonkers to me that the federal government is imposing these kinds of restraints, that we’re taking away valuable information from our citizens who visit this park, and that we are trying to dumb everyone down and pretend real weather events don’t happen by not letting you read a simple sign.”
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Other Reactions To The Alterations Of Climate Change Information: |
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-“What this president is doing to our National Parks is predicated on what he believes and IS NOT the truth! I encourage Rangers to keep telling THE TRUTH. We have a lot of work to do to undo the ridiculous rules and mandates that he keeps spewing.” |
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-“Please remember this loss of your freedom when you vote.” |
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-“It’s crazy to me that climate change is referred to as a political issue. Planet warming doesn’t care which party someone is. It’s not a political issue, it’s a world issue. I believe any forum is a good place to talk about any issues. Talking civilly amongst ourselves with strangers is a great way to learn about all sides of issues. I love to hear Rangers talk about issues. Seems like someone who spends so much time in their environment would most likely have some great points we should all at least hear out.” |
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-“I live in Montana and almost every day this winter has been above freezing. I saw nightcrawlers coming out of the ground a week before Christmas! We have yet to have any snow and this week forecasts 40-50 degree weather. Something I have surely never experienced nor heard of. Makes you wonder….” |
On the contrary, Canada continues to implement opposite measures in national parks. Banff National Park is now introducing a new parking fee to reduce visitors’ carbon footprint, encouraging them to rely on public transportation instead.
Additionally, just a month ago, Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada is among the world’s leaders on climate change.
The Climate Change Views May Be Linked To Politics
According to Mario Canseco, Research Co. president, the shift in climate change views may be affected by politics in both Canada and the United States. In the U.S., Democrats have a strong link to climate change concerns, as do Liberal Party voters in Canada. However, the drop is noticeable among American Republicans and Canadian conservatives.
“Sizeable majorities of Democrats in the United States (67 per cent) and Liberal Party voters in Canada (81 per cent) think climate change is real and human-made. The proportions drop drastically among American Republicans (34 per cent) and Canadian Conservatives (44 per cent),” Canseco revealed.
Only 9% of Canadians stated that climate change is not an issue at all, while 16% of Americans felt the same way in the survey. Additionally, 69% of Canadians believe the government should do more to mitigate climate change. In contrast, 63% of Americans are looking for more action from the government.
What Americans Are Saying About The Decrease In Climate Change Concerns
Despite the number, Americans who believe climate change is still a key issue vary by region. On The Travel, many shared their opinions. User Jenny stated that climate change remains a major issue in Colorado.
“Those 52% who don’t believe in climate change must not not live here in Colorado, where we’re already wondering where we’ll get enough water. Or more realistically, wondering how to need less water. It’s weird that people think science is a matter of personal opinion, like pineapple on pizza.”
Another person wrote, “no one denies that it doesn’t happen naturally in cycles. The issue is that because of humans, we’ve pushed it faster and further. Politicians? This has nothing to do with them. Don’t listen to politicians. Listen to the scientists. And believe your own eyes and ears.”
Data clearly links politics to interest in climate change. Under the current administration, interest in climate change may continue to decline.