Key Takeaways
- Global consensus on corporate climate advocacy: 85 percent of people around the world agree that large companies should actively encourage governments to take stronger climate action, reinforcing a clear public mandate for business leadership on climate.
- Emerging markets lead in support: Support is highest in countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Vietnam, and Indonesia, where citizens are especially eager for companies to act as catalysts for progress on climate policy.
- Strong majorities even in polarized contexts: Despite political pushback in places like the USA, Germany, and the Netherlands, most people still want companies to engage governments on climate action.
New GlobeScan research shows that 85 percent of people around the world believe large companies should actively encourage governments to take stronger action on climate. While the percentage of those who strongly agree has slightly declined over the last few years, the overall consensus remains clear: people expect business to lead on climate advocacy. Only 15 percent of respondents express disagreement, underscoring the enduring public mandate for corporate climate leadership.
Support is especially strong in emerging markets such as Kenya (94%), Nigeria (94%), Vietnam (93%), and Indonesia (92%), where citizens are looking to business as a catalyst for progress. Even in countries where climate policy is politically sensitive, like Germany (70%) and the Netherlands (72%), strong majorities still support corporate engagement. In the USA, where there has been significant pushback against corporate activism, as many as 78 percent of the public want companies to engage the government on climate action.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
The public is not just open to corporate climate advocacy; they expect it. This presents a strategic opportunity for businesses to step into a leadership role that goes beyond internal sustainability efforts. Advocacy can build trust and legitimacy, especially in regions where climate impacts are felt most acutely. At the same time, silence or neutrality may be perceived as indifference. As global attention turns to Climate Week NYC and COP 30, companies have a clear mandate to use their influence to shape policy and accelerate climate action.
Survey Question: For each of the following statements, please indicate if you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree. – Large companies have a responsibility to encourage governments to do more to address climate change.
Countries surveyed: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Peru, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, UK, USA, and Vietnam.
