Dear Businesses – Americans Want to Know What Specific Actions You’re Taking on Climate
Happy Climate Week to all who celebrate! This week, thousands of climate leaders from business, government and non-profits gather in New York City to further climate action and share solutions. But what about Americans who aren’t among this group of decision-makers?
C+C surveyed our national panel for a pulse on what regular people would like to hear from the executives attending Climate Week NYC and what they would share with them if they could attend. Though less than 20% of our respondents were aware of Climate Week, a significant majority said they care about climate change and had plenty to share with those who attend.
What People Believe
Our respondents believe climate change is an urgent problem requiring urgent action.
They’ve seen lots of corporate claims about climate action. However, they’re on the fence about whether to believe them. Only 42% of respondents find claims on reducing waste, energy use and other climate actions moderately believable (ranking 3 out of 5), with the remaining respondents falling into extremes of finding climate claims mostly believable (29%) or not believable (28%).
This split reflects a broad skepticism of environmental claims from business, and a desire for more detailed information so they can believe.
What People Want to Hear
Nearly 85% of respondents say they’ve been affected by climate change, through extreme weather like heat waves or the mental health impacts of contemplating an uncertain future for their children and grandchildren.
We asked what people would want to hear from Climate Week participants.
The answer was simple – they want to know about real actions being taken. Here are the top five questions they’d ask leaders in New York this week.
- What role do businesses/corporations play in solving the problem?
- What actions can the US take to reduce climate change?
- What laws and policies are being put in place to address climate change?
- How can we prepare for changes to the climate, like extreme weather?
- How can I learn more and get involved?
People are looking for both assurance that action is being taken and recommendations for the future.
A smaller group of respondents shared their uncertainty about the future and a need for further education, asking whether it’s too late to act, and how we know that climate change is caused mostly by human activities.
What Leaders at Climate Week Should Know
SHOW ME is the response we heard from survey respondents.
Americans overwhelmingly want businesses to take responsibility for climate action.
Second to action? Our respondents want more complete information from business. Saying you’re taking action isn’t enough, people want to see details and how actions are making a difference.
They give businesses the same advice as a math teacher – show your work.
“Less promises. More action. Show us that you mean it, don’t just tell us that you’re gonna do it.”
ABOUT OUR SURVEY
C+C surveyed 336 respondents across the U.S. between September 13-17, 2024. Respondents are part of C+C’s national Market Research Online Community (MROC).
