A new study by insights and advisory firm GlobeScan indicates strong bipartisan support for corporate engagement on both climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
According to the survey, which was conducted among a representative sample of 1,004 US adults, more than three quarters (77%) believe that companies should be committed to addressing climate change, while 72% support commitments to DEI.
This sentiment also spans party lines, with 58% of Republicans supporting climate-related actions, and 56% supporting DEI commitments – more than half in both cases.
Consumer attitudes and behaviours
“American public opinion and consumer attitudes and behaviours on sustainability remain remarkably resilient since the election of President Trump and all the attendant economic and political machinations,” commented Chris Coulter, CEO of GlobeScan.
“Americans continue to be as engaged and concerned about things like climate change and DEI as they were before, suggesting that expectations for sustainability remain fully intact.”
CEO action
Other findings from the study include that a majority of Americans, including more than half of Republicans, believe that corporate CEOs should publicly advocate for both DEI and climate action, while respondents remain divided on whether they should be required to pay more taxes or higher prices to combat climate change.
Allied to this, more US citizens are purchasing environmentally-friendly products, however cost remains a barrier for those that want to make greener purchases, but can’t afford to at present.
Net trust in global companies has risen, the study found, while confidence in science and academia has slightly declined – particularly among women, Millennials, and Gen X respondents. Notably, trust has increased among Gen Z and Republican respondents.
Finally, a growing number of respondents see public protests and demonstrations as an effective tool for change, particularly among the Gen Z and Democrat cohorts, according to the study. Read more here.
