The proportion of employees who believe their employers are adequately addressing climate change and sustainability has fallen to approximately 38% in recent years, according to a new survey by Deloitte. The survey highlights that climate and sustainability considerations increasingly influence individuals’ decisions in investing, purchasing, employment, and even relocation.
Released as part of Deloitte’s “Sustainability Signals Dashboard,” the survey draws from bi-annual responses from about 20,000 individuals across 20 countries, examining shifts in environmental awareness and behaviour over time. A significant majority globally perceive climate change as an emergency driven by human activity, with many reporting direct experiences of extreme weather events.
Overall, 65% of respondents acknowledge climate change as an emergency, with younger individuals more likely to agree—68% of those aged 18-34 compared to 63% of those 55 and older. In the US, this agreement drops to 52%, with a notable age-related disparity: 55% of younger respondents versus 48% of those 55 and older.
Meanwhile, 75% of global respondents recognise human-caused climate change, a belief that has remained relatively stable between 70% and 78% since 2021. US respondents are closing the gap, with 70% now agreeing, up from 60% in a 2023 survey.
The survey indicates that perceptions of climate change are influencing workplace and consumption behaviours. Only 38% believe their employer is sufficiently addressing climate change and sustainability, down from 45% in 2021. This decline is particularly pronounced in the US, where belief has dropped from 53% in 2021 to 34% now.
Sustainability perceptions also appear to affect employment decisions, with around a quarter of respondents considering job changes to work for more sustainable companies. A similar proportion would evaluate a potential employer’s sustainability stance before accepting a position.
Sustainable investing attitudes have remained stable, with 33% of respondents factoring sustainability and climate into their investment choices, up slightly from 31% in 2021. Demand for sustainable products is steady, with half of consumers since 2021 purchasing at least one sustainable product monthly. However, price remains the main barrier to sustainable purchases, cited by 40% of respondents, followed by reluctance to change products at 22%.
Climate considerations are also influencing relocation decisions, with 50% of respondents citing climate change as a factor in choosing where to live if they move. Eleven percent have already relocated or plan to due to climate impacts. Younger respondents, aged 18-34, are more likely to consider climate in their location decisions, with 64% doing so, compared to 52% of those aged 35-54 and 37% of those 55 and older.
For more information, access Deloitte’s survey dashboard [here](https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/environmental-social-governance/deloitte-global-sustainable-behaviors-survey.html#personal-choices).
