Companies need to take more balanced, integrated approaches to climate and nature in their ESG strategies, programs, and engagement.
While a majority says the shift will have a positive impact on them and their family, this proportion is significantly smaller than those who say the shift is needed
The general public widely supports a range of solutions that address climate change and protect nature. Together with nature-based solutions like protecting forests, people are most supportive of education on climate change and shifting to agricultural practices that protect nature.
Nine in ten people across the world say that deforestation in the Amazon rainforest is a serious global problem. Globally, people tend to be more concerned about this than several other problems such as the economy or the gap between rich and poor. Concern about deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has remained consistent between 2021 and 2023, with 56 percent of the global public saying it is a very serious issue and another 34 percent saying it is somewhat serious. … “Insight of the Week: Ninety Percent of People Globally Believe Deforestation in the Amazon is a Serious Issue”
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”
Overall, experts are now more optimistic that the pandemic will not derail action on sustainable development. In 2020, almost half of sustainability professionals predicted a de-prioritization of the sustainability agenda over the coming decade as a result of the coronavirus. Now just one in four experts believe this will happen. Furthermore, a third of experts believe more attention will be given to the environment due to the pandemic. However, COVID-19 is perceived to be exacerbating socio-economic challenges, with nearly four … “Insight of the Week: Stakeholders Predict Inequality as Biggest Outcome from the Pandemic; Much Less Pessimistic on Sustainability”
Out of the 27 countries surveyed an overwhelming percentage (up to 92%) want governments to take stronger action to protect nature, even if it means restricting business activities. On World Conservation Day it is important to highlight the public’s desire for governments to act now. This is especially the case in developing countries with those in Kenya, Mexico and Vietnam agreeing the most that governments should take strong action. People in Japan agree the least (although still over 50%). Data … “Insight of the Week: Strong Public Support for Government Action to Protect Nature, Even if it Restricts Business Activity”
About the 2021 Sustainability Leaders Survey Findings from a new report 2021 Sustainability Leaders by GlobeScan and The SustainAbility Institute by ERM show sustainability experts believe the global pandemic will help draw attention to environmental challenges—but will also deepen socio-economic challenges such as poverty and inequality. The GlobeScan / SustainAbility Leaders Survey has tracked global expert opinions on the evolution of the sustainability agenda since 1997. The 25th edition of this report has taken place against the unprecedented backdrop of … “The 2021 GlobeScan / SustainAbility Leaders Survey | Report & Webinar”
28 July 2021: New research from GlobeScan and the SustainAbility Institute by ERM finds that sustainability experts believe the global pandemic will help draw attention to environmental issues—but will also deepen socio-economic challenges such as poverty and inequality. The GlobeScan / SustainAbility Leaders Survey has tracked global expert opinions on the evolution of the sustainability agenda since 1997. The 25th edition of this report has taken place against the unprecedented backdrop of the pandemic, with nearly 700 sustainability experts from … “Report: Global Survey Finds Covid-19 Is Intensifying Sustainable Development Challenges, But Leading Businesses Are Stepping Up Action”
ESG performance tops the list of Corporate Affairs risk priorities globally for organizations, and Corporate Affairs professionals surveyed across the world point to climate change as the most pressing ESG issue. While climate change broadly is less top-of-mind since last year, there is a dramatic increase in concern around net zero and carbon emissions as a critical issue. This suggests that Corporate Affairs priorities are becoming more focused on net zero strategies. The COP 26 meeting in Glasgow later this … “Insight of the Week: Corporate Affairs Professionals Say Climate Change is the Most Pressing ESG Issue for Global Business”