Nearly two-thirds of people in countries surveyed in Africa / Middle East and Asia-Pacific are optimistic that future generations will enjoy a higher quality of life than they do today. In contrast, only one in three Europeans and four in ten Latin Americans and North Americans are optimistic about higher quality of life for their children and grandchildren. Source: GlobeScan Radar Trends Report (survey of 29,293 people in the general public in June ‒ July 2022)
Our Insights
Keep up to date with our latest news, webinars, and reports.
Keep up to date with our latest news, webinars, and reports.
Seven in Ten People Say Companies Should Advocate for Climate and the SDGs According to Global Poll People around the world expect companies to actively support social and environmental causes but are more divided on companies taking a stance on human rights issues, according to a global poll released at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2023. The research, published in our new report, reveals strong public support for companies taking a stand on climate change and sustainable development … “Radar Corporate Advocacy Report 2022”
Three-quarters of people around the world say that wealthy countries should help poorer nations deal with the effects of climate change. This suggests strong public support for a just transition and echoes a main theme of COP27 around the obligation of wealthier countries that have benefitted the most from industrialization to provide financing to help poorer countries that suffer the most from the impacts of climate change. Source: GlobeScan Radar Report 2022 (survey of 21,979 people in the general public in June ‒ July 2022)
While 66 percent of corporate employees around the world say that they would quit their job if they felt that their company was not environmentally or socially responsible, the results differ dramatically by generation. The research shows that younger employees have higher expectations for corporate sustainability and that insufficient corporate performance on this issue can lead to a loss of talent. Source: GlobeScan Radar Report 2022 (survey of 21,979 people in the general public in June ‒ July 2022)
Around the world, over four in ten people surveyed say that the unequal treatment of women is a “very serious” issue. Concern is highest in South Africa and Turkey and lowest in China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea. Younger people tend to be much more concerned about the issue; more than half of Gen Z say that the unequal treatment of women is “very serious,” suggesting growing pressure for gender equality in the future. Source: GlobeScan Radar Report 2022 … “Insight of the Week: Younger Generations Are More Concerned about Unequal Treatment of Women”
People are more worried than ever about climate change, as 65 percent of people around the world today describe the issue as “very serious.” This marks the highest level recorded since tracking began in 2003 and follows a steady increase since 2014. Source: GlobeScan Radar Report 2022 (survey of 29,293 people in the general public in June ‒ July 2022)
Compared to a decade ago, people are now more likely to say that we are currently facing environmental and socio-economic challenges at an unprecedented scale globally. Over eight in ten people now agree with this sentiment compared to three-quarters in 2012. Strikingly, this agreement is similarly strong across all demographics and geographies. Source: GlobeScan Radar Report 2022 (survey of 29,293 people in the general public in June ‒ July 2022)
People are more worried than ever about climate change, with the perceived seriousness reaching unprecedented levels. Four in ten people say they do not want or would not want to have children because of the effects of climate change, according to a new global poll conducted in June and July of 2022. Key findings include: Sixty-five percent of people across the world now say that climate change is a “very serious” issue, the highest level ever recorded since tracking began … “Forty Percent Cite Climate Concerns as a Deterrent to Having Children”
People in Latin America are affected the most by a lack of fresh water, although as many as one-third of respondents in Africa and the Middle East also report being “greatly affected.” In contrast, around two in ten say they are personally “greatly” affected in North America and the Asia-Pacific region. Shortages of fresh water – an issue that is closely related to climate change – is clearly not affecting people equally. The extent to which people are affected depends on … “Insight of the Week: Water Shortages Felt More Acutely in the Global South”
These are the key findings from GlobeScan’s latest global opinion research report on how different populations engage on sustainability: The composition of minority groups varies across markets surveyed People in minority groups are more concerned about discrimination Minority groups are disproportionally affected by issues like climate change and air pollution Those belonging to minority groups are more engaged on sustainability
GlobeScan is an independent, employee-owned insights consultancy whose mission is to help co-create a more sustainable and equitable future. We work with large companies, NGOs and multi-lateral organizations to help them better understand and respond to stakeholder expectations and societal issues.
The only way we can do this effectively is through the generous participation of our expert community in our research projects. In return, we will share exclusive reports, invite you to interesting webinars and make donations to One Tree Planted, a leading reforestation charity.
Are you interested in our work? To get involved join our expert community where your opinions will help shape the direction of some of the most influential organizations in the world.
Findings from GlobeScan’s latest global opinion research on nature show that there is a gap between growing concern and high expectations from the public, and perceived performance of most actors in protecting nature and wildlife. Concern about the loss of animal and plant species has been increasing steadily over the past eight years; with a majority of people now believing that the loss of biodiversity is a very serious global problem. Many people feel a strong bond with nature, as … “Global Public Opinion Research on Nature | Report”
Findings from GlobeScan’s latest public opinion research show that thirty-nine percent of retail investors around the world say they have invested with ESG in mind and another 39 percent say they have considered it. Shareholders in Asian markets (especially China, Thailand, and Vietnam) are most likely to have already bought or sold shares because of the company’s social and environmental responsibility approach. Investment based on ESG considerations has increased over the past two decades in the G7 markets, where 37 … “Report: Retail Investors Show Strong and Growing Interest in ESG”
Across 18 countries, more than nine in ten people want their governments to support at least some action on climate change at the upcoming COP26 Climate Summit. Nearly six in ten want their governments to take a leadership role to address climate change as quickly as possible. Support for leadership has grown substantially in 13 out of 18 countries tracked, including the three largest emitting countries China, India, and the USA. This change in majority opinion is a strong call … “Insight of the Week: People Want Governments to Lead at COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow Even More So Than They Did for COP21 in Paris”
Perceived seriousness of climate change has reached its highest level since tracking began 23 years ago, with over six in ten across 17 markets now saying that climate change is “very serious.” Global concern and engagement around climate issues is growing and is expected to increase over the next several years. People in Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, and Turkey are the most concerned about climate change. In the USA, concern is historically high (53% say it is “very serious”) and … “Insight of the Week: Public Concern About Climate Change is at its Highest Level Since 1998”
Seriousness of Climate Change “Very Serious” and “Somewhat Serious,” Average of 16 Countries* vs USA, 2015–2020 As the United States once again joins the Paris Agreement under President Biden’s new leadership, GlobeScan’s research shows that over the past five years, Americans’ worries about the climate have become increasingly aligned with the rest of the world. More than eight in ten Americans now say that climate change is a very or somewhat serious issue, with those under 30 years of age … “Insight of the Week: Seriousness of Climate Change”
On 29 September, GlobeScan hosted a webinar to help better understand the evolving social contract between business & society as we navigate challenging and disruptive times. GlobeScan shared some of its latest Radar trends from its new 27-country public opinion study on views of business, government and NGOs, issues tracking, and shifting societal expectations. The following panel of diverse senior corporate leaders discussed the implications for companies: Francesca DeBiase, Chief Supply Chain and Sustainability Officer, McDonald’s Mzilla Mthenjane, Executive Head, … “Webinar | Business & Society: Latest Societal Trends and Corporate Leadership”
Worry about climate change remains widespread despite the pandemic and economic crisis, and continues to increase in the USA and other large emitting countries Despite the immense impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic recession (documented in GlobeScan’s findings on the pandemic’s impact on inequality for the BBC), people in 27 markets surveyed also continue to care deeply about the climate crisis that is currently unfolding in parallel. Concerns about climate change and poverty remain high and steady – with the … “Climate Change: A GlobeScan Insight Report”
Trust in government, business, media, and science has increased as people look for leadership As people look for guidance and hope for solutions during the pandemic and the resulting economic recession, GlobeScan’s Radar survey of 27,000 people across 27 countries shows that trust in institutions such as national government, global business, and press and media has increased compared to 2019. Trust in scientists has also continued to increase, while trust in the medical profession (asked for the first time in … “Trust in Institutions: A GlobeScan Insight Report”
The 2020 GlobeScan-Ethical Markets “Beyond GDP” survey repeats questions asked in 2007, 2009, and 2013 polls in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Kenya, Russia, the UK, and the USA. The general public (n=1,000 in each country) were again asked to choose between continuing money-based GDP to steer national progress or to add statistics on health, education, and the environment. Overall, an average of 72 percent prefer broadening GDP with such additional data. These GlobeScan-Ethical Markets surveys were launched … “Global Survey Finds Most Prefer Expanding GDP with Health, Education, and Environmental Data”
People – especially younger generations – are increasingly looking to science and technology to help create a better future When asked directly whether they believe that science and technology can help create a better future, people across 25 countries surveyed almost universally agree that this is the case. However, young people are markedly more optimistic than older generations. Around half of those aged 18–24 (Gen Z) strongly agree with this notion, suggesting that the focus on science-based solutions will continue … “Growing Faith in Science and Technology: A GlobeScan Insight Report”
We leverage the largest network of sustainability professionals in the world to produce resources that provide leaders with the inspiration, insight and counsel they need to fully embrace the opportunities and challenges of our world. See how we can support your work.
GlobeScan is a certified B Corporation, which means we meet the highest standards of overall social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability and aspire to use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.
People in emerging markets are more optimistic about the future and the globalized economy, and are increasingly engaging in ethical consumerism GlobeScan’s research shows that there is a pronounced difference in optimism for the future between people in emerging economies, who tend to be much more hopeful, and those in the OECD countries, where fewer than half believe that future generations will enjoy a higher quality of life than we do today. People in China, India, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia … “Global South Rising: A GlobeScan Insight Report”
Radar is a global public opinion research program of evidence and insights that is a vital part of GlobeScan’s contribution to helping influential organizations understand material issues, societal trends and the expectations people have of them. In uncertain times, leadership organizations need to build trust with their stakeholders and society and better engage with their external context. Since 1997, GlobeScan Radar has explored questions such as how concerns about several economic, environmental and social issues are changing, how people’s preferences … “The Latest Trends That Will Shape 2020 and Beyond | Report”
People across the world are increasingly worried about climate change, especially Gen Z Citizens across the world are increasingly saying that climate change is a serious issue; it now ranks among the top of a range of 18 global issues that people in 25 countries surveyed say are “very serious.” Concern about climate change ranks third after terrorism and environmental pollution in general, and on par with corruption and the depletion of natural resources. Over the past five years, concern … “Climate Change: A GlobeScan Insight Report”
Business’s social license to operate is eroding in Europe and North America There is a growing divide between developed and emerging markets in terms of people’s trust in business to act in society’s best interest. Those in developed markets are losing trust in global companies, while people in emerging markets remain generally more trusting of business. Trust in big business has fallen in recent years in the OECD member countries that GlobeScan has tracked over time. In Germany, fewer people … “Trust in Business: A GlobeScan Insight Report”