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Compared with five years ago, sustainability experts today are more likely to say that national governments, the private sector, and multi-sector partnerships should drive sustainable development. As pressure grows on these groups, experts are also less likely to expect leadership from The United Nations. Following The United Nations’ launch of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, experts may now be looking to national governments and business to implement the sustainability agenda. Source: GlobeScan/SustainAbility Institute by ERM Survey of over 700 … “Insight of the Week: Growing Expectations for National Governments to Lead on Sustainable Development in Coming Decades”

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”

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”