A recent survey conducted by Reputation Leaders in May 2023 found that while more than half of Americans (56%) believe in the reality of climate change, they remain skeptical of corporations’ promises to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net zero. Only 23% of Americans trust that these corporations have a viable plan to fulfill their promises.
Pew Research Center’s April 2023 study revealed that two-thirds of American adults believe that corporations should do more to alleviate the effects of climate change, while only 21% believe that they are on the right track.
Additionally, 69% of Americans would welcome steps that would transform the US into a carbon-neutral country by 2050. However, only 37% of Americans consider the environment a top priority for the nation, while 34% regard it as important but not a priority. Pollution is the most significant environmental concern for Americans, and it is the most likely issue to motivate them to make a change for the planet. One-third of Americans believe that pollution is the most troubling environmental issue.
The Reputation Leaders survey found that two-thirds of Americans believe that at least one large city area globally will be uninhabitable due to climate change in 50 years, and over 40% believe that California will likely be uninhabitable in 2073. With the theme of this year’s World Environment Day (2023) focused on solutions to plastic pollution, many Americans believe that increased pollution could force them to change their everyday lives and move toward a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
Reputation Leaders recommends:
- Corporations reduce pollution to benefit people and the planet while protecting their reputation.
- Governments cooperate with businesses to address pollution and enhance public trust.
Methodology
Reputation Leaders ran a US national online survey in May 2023 to explore American perceptions and behaviors toward the environment. The survey was conducted among 1,000 U.S. adults aged 18 and over.
