Along with integration, experts are increasingly looking for evidence of impacts and actions when it comes to corporate sustainability leadership. Compared with four years ago, experts are more likely to recognize companies as sustainability leaders because they share impactful results of their sustainability initiatives. While purpose and goals remain important, growing attention to greenwashing means that claims need to be reinforced with tangible results. Source: GlobeScan/SustainAbility Institute by ERM Survey of over 700 experts representing business, government, NGOs, and academia … “Insight of the Week: Integration and Impact Are Key Indicators of Recognized Corporate Sustainability Leadership”
Across all sectors and geographies, sustainability experts are most likely to name World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as the leading NGO for advancing sustainable development. Overall, mentions of NGOs have declined in recent years, which could indicate an expectation that these organizations should be doing more to mobilize efforts on sustainable development. Source: GlobeScan/SustainAbility Survey of over 700 experts representing business, government, NGOs, and academia across 73 countries
Three in ten sustainability experts name Unilever as sustainability leader, followed by Patagonia. These companies have maintained their leadership positions over the last decade, with other companies increasingly being recognized for their sustainability efforts. Microsoft makes the top five for the first time, behind Natura &Co and IKEA. Source: GlobeScan/SustainAbility Survey of over 700 experts representing business, government, NGOs, and academia across 73 countries
In almost every country surveyed, more than three in four people say children need to spend time in nature. This feeling is particularly strong in emerging markets but is also prominent in more industrialized countries as well. This suggests that children and future generations can be a powerful driver in motivating people to preserve nature. Source: Navigating the Nature Agenda, a GlobeScan survey of 10,996 respondents across 11 countries on perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors around nature
Across 11 countries surveyed, people are most likely to say that documentaries, scientists, friends and family, and nature NGOs are the most trusted sources for information on nature. Fewer than half trust business leaders or celebrity spokespeople. As consumers pay more attention to nature claims, businesses can build credibility by publicly supporting nature scientists, films and NGOs, and helping to amplify their message. Source: Navigating the Nature Agenda, a GlobeScan survey of 10,996 respondents across 11 countries on perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors … “Insight of the Week: Public Trusts Information on Nature from Documentaries, Scientists, Friends & NGOs Twice as Much as from Business”
Few people around the world say nature is in a good state; most express worry or alarm about nature in their country. Concern about nature being in a catastrophic state is highest in Brazil, Malaysia, Mexico, and France, and lowest in China and the UK. Public anxiety for the state of nature is nearly universal, suggesting a global agreement on nature would be well received by people in most countries. Source: Navigating the Nature Agenda, a GlobeScan survey of 10,996 respondents across 11 countries on perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors around nature
People in countries that create the most carbon emissions are increasingly likely to say climate change is serious. Significant increases in concern have been registered across all countries since the Paris Agreement in 2015. As world leaders meet in Davos, collective action across high-emitting countries is critical to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Source: GlobeScan Radar Report 2021 (survey of 30,000 people in the general public in July 2021)
People around the world rate large companies as weaker than other actors on protecting nature and wildlife, with only one-quarter saying they are doing a good job. National governments are also perceived to be performing poorly. In contrast, NGOs and “people like me” are rated significantly higher, suggesting civil society and other citizens are seen to be leading on taking actions to protect nature. Source: GlobeScan Radar Report 2021 (survey of 30,000 people in the general public in July 2021)
Most people agree that the free-market economic system is best for the future of the world, a view that has grown steadily since the Great Recession but has started to wane over the past few years. People in emerging markets are more optimistic about the free-market system than those in OECD countries. Younger people are also more enthusiastic. Europeans, especially the French, express the weakest support for free-market capitalism. Source: GlobeScan Radar Report 2021 (survey of 30,000 people in the general public in July … “Insight of the Week: Support for the Free-Market Remains High”
Among people who own shares directly or indirectly, nearly two in three say a living wage for workers is “very important” when choosing where to invest. About half say environmental impacts and addressing climate change are very important. As retail investors become more engaged in shareholder resolutions, the social aspect of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) could become more important for companies to demonstrate their performance around workers and social impacts. Source: GlobeScan Radar Report 2021 (survey of 30,000 people … “Insight of the Week: Fair Worker Pay Is a Top Priority for Retail Investors”