As climate fears worsen and government, business, and media are not trusted to do what is necessary to respond, our research shows there is a path forward to earn support and engagement with climate action.
Seven in 10 respondents agree that we must move faster to address climate change, and while most (54%) want national government to take the lead, they lack the confidence government leaders will force change (57%). Earning trust through action is essential to overcoming these barriers.
worry about climate change
agree there has been little to no progress made to address it
AND the majority fear that climate change will make the world less just and lead to displacement.
Institutions are fumbling in their response
52%
believe climate policy is driven by politics while
48%
say policy is driven by science
57%
agree that governmental leaders are unwilling to pass legislation that will force businesses and individuals to make climate-related changes
64%
think businesses are doing mediocre or worse at keeping their climate commitments, however 76% say renewable energy is among the most trusted industry sectors to do what is right in addressing climate change
Overcoming barriers to climate action
Government: meet the needs of today and build for tomorrow
When government does well on balancing climate action with its country's energy needs, it is 10% more likely to be trusted to address climate change
Business: show me how I can be part of the solution
When business does well on educating people on how to reduce their own climate impact, it is 5.6% more likely to be trusted to address climate change
NGOs: facilitate change through partnership
66% say the best way for environmental NGOs to increase their impact is to work in close partnership with corporations
Individuals: make greener choices
People need better information to understand climate change and want to see the benefits current climate solutions are having for society and for individuals
Trust and Climate Change: From Reporting to Rallying
RICHARD EDELMAN, CEO
To succeed in the decade ahead, we need to move global institutions from reporting to rallying, to move beyond the inside game of annual ESG reports to an outside game that excites stakeholders about the possibility of economic growth with sustainability.
READ MOREBusiness Must Meet the Moment to Help Save Our Planet
Helga Ying, Global Chair of Purpose
The message is clear: Business must step up to close its trust deficit. Historically, our research shows that in general, business is the most trusted institution to do what is right.
Read MorePeople think sustainability is joyless. That’s a huge opportunity for business.
Robert Casamento, Global Chair of Climate
A positive narrative – when it is backed by tangible, meaningful actions aligned with a credible pathway to net-zero – can be an important motivator.
Read moreWATCH OUR LAUNCH EVENT
On Thursday, November 3, 2022 we launched the ºÚÁÏÉçTrust Barometer Special Report: Trust and Climate Change. To expound on these findings, we convened a panel of experts who are focused on how business, government, NGOs and individuals can all better work to fight climate change. Our panelists included Professor Tensie Whelan, the founding director of the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business; Bernadette Woods Placky, the Chief Meteorologist and Climate Matters Director for Climate Central; Cassia Moraes, the founder of Youth Climate Leaders; Helga Ying, Edelman’s Global and U.S. Chair of Purpose; Richard Edelman, CEO of Edelman; and moderator Ed Williams, the CEO and President of EMEA at Edelman.
RESEARCH BY NUMBERS
This survey was fielded between September 16 and October 3, 2022.
14
Markets
14K
Respondents (employed, age 18+)