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”
Fewer than half of consumers in European and Latin American markets, as well as in North America, feel companies are being honest and truthful about their performance on addressing climate change. As pressure builds for corporate net-zero commitments, there will also be growing attention on how companies communicate their climate strategies. Performance, transparency, clarity, and partnerships are key aspects to a trusted climate communications plan. Source: GlobeScan Radar Report 2021 (survey of 30,000 people in the general public … “Insight of the Week: Europeans and Latin Americans Are More Skeptical about Corporate Climate Claims Than Those in Other Regions”
Across all regions, at least seven in ten people want their governments to enact strong policies that protect nature, even if this comes with some restrictions on companies. Support is especially high where there are very significant areas of rich biodiversity. This suggests that governments will face challenges from their constituencies if they do not proactively work to protect nature. Source: GlobeScan Healthy & Sustainable Living Study 2021 (survey of 30,000 people in the general public in July 2021)
Nearly six in ten people around the world say they have personally been “greatly” (28%) or “moderately” (29%) affected by a lack of access to healthcare. Latin Americans and Russians are most likely to say they are “greatly” affected. This sentiment is much less common in other parts of the world, including Eastern Asia, Northern Europe, Australia, and Canada. A lack of access to healthcare is more likely to greatly affect ethnic and religious minorities, those with lower levels of income … “Insight of the Week: Access to Healthcare Is a Global Equity Issue”
Around the world, there is near-universal support for investing in natural solutions like protecting forests and planting trees to address climate change. Many also say people should be encouraged and educated about ways to reduce their climate impacts. People prefer nature investments, innovation, and education over taxing fossil fuels, although a majority do support carbon taxes. Investing in nature is the most-supported approach to addressing climate change. Source: GlobeScan Radar Report 2021 (survey of 30,000 people in the general public in … “Insight of the Week: Most People Support Addressing Climate Change through Natural Solutions”
Around the world, over eight in ten people want governments to invest more in renewable energies. People are looking to reduce their climate footprint and want governments to invest to help support this transition. People recognize that systemic change is needed alongside individual action to make a meaningful difference, and they want governments and businesses to lead in this change. Source: 2021 IKEA Climate Action Research report
People all over the world are concerned about having clean water, with 63 percent globally saying that water pollution is a “very serious” issue. Concern is particularly high in Latin America, while people in Asia tend to be less concerned. Young people are more worried than those who are older, but concern is high across all demographics, including political orientation. The desire to safeguard clean water is a unifying issue, and broad audiences will likely be receptive to communications around … “Insight of the Week: Latin Americans Are the Most Worried about Water Pollution”
Sustainability experts say companies that are seen as underperforming on climate change will face several challenges to their long-term success. Half of experts feel that the reputational cost of inaction will be significant, highlighting increased attention on corporate climate change commitments among stakeholders and the public. Source: GlobeScan/SustainAbility Survey of over 500 experts representing business, government, NGOs, and academia across 71 countries
There is strong support from both women and men among those who are aware of the #MeToo movement: 83 percent of women who are aware of the movement support it while 73 percent of men who are aware support it. Younger people are particularly supportive, especially Gen Z. Together with Millennials, these consumers also have high expectations for brands to support #MeToo. Source: GlobeScan Radar Report 2021 (survey of 30,000 people in the general public in July 2021)