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Majority of Americans Want CEOs to Speak Out on Social Issues; Trust in Businesses Improves, Narrowing Long-standing Trust Deficit

NEW YORK, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- A new flash survey conducted by GlobeScan, an insights and advisory firm, showcases an American perspective on corporate responsibility, sustainability, and social advocacy. The data shows strong bipartisan support for companies—and their CEOs—to speak out on climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

The survey, conducted among a representative sample of 1,004 U.S. adults, from March 25–28, 2025, is a pulse survey update to GlobeScan's annual Radar global public opinion research program. The findings show that while the ESG and public engagement landscape is challenging, it is full of opportunities for corporate leaders to build engagement with American consumers.

Key Findings:

• Bipartisan Mandate for Corporate Commitment
• 71% of Americans believe companies should be committed to addressing climate change.
• 72% say companies should have commitments to DEI.
• 56% of Republicans support DEI commitments, and 58% back climate-related commitments—illustrating cross-party consensus.
• A majority of Americans across every generation—from Gen Z to Baby Boomers and older —agree with supporting these climate change and DEI commitments.
• Americans Want CEOs to Speak Up: a majority of Americans believe CEOs should publicly advocate for both DEI and climate action. This includes over half of Republicans.
• Corporate Advocacy beyond Climate and DEI: Support remains high for companies speaking out on the protection of freshwater and several social issues. While Democrats lead on support, Independents and Republicans are selectively supportive, signaling a need for tailored messaging.
• Americans remain divided on paying more taxes or higher prices to combat climate change, yet over 40% across all demographics—including Republicans—support this tradeoff.
• Green Purchasing Is Up, but Cost Still a Barrier: More Americans are buying environmentally friendly products, while cost remains the primary factor for those who wanted to but could not.
• Changes in Trust in Institutions: Net trust in global companies has increased, while net trust in science and academia has slightly declined—especially among women, Millennials, and Gen X. Conversely, we see trust rising among Gen Z and Republicans.
• Protest Seen as Effective Tool: Belief in the effectiveness of public protests and demonstrations has increased since 2024, especially among Gen Z and Democrats.

"American public opinion and consumer attitudes and behaviors on sustainability remain remarkably resilient since the election of President Trump and all the attendant economic and political machinations," said 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."

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About GlobeScan

GlobeScan is an insights and advisory firm specializing in trust, sustainability, and engagement. We equip clients with insights to navigate shifting societal and stakeholder expectations, crafting evidence-based strategies that reduce risks and create value for their organizations and society. Our purpose is to co-create a sustainable and equitable future.

Established in 1987, we have offices in Cape Town, Hong Kong, Hyderabad, London, Paris, San Francisco, São Paulo, Singapore, and Toronto. GlobeScan is a participant of the UN Global Compact and a Certified B Corporation.

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Media Contact

Albert Stichka, Elkordy Global Strategies, 1 6192544768, [email protected]

SOURCE GlobeScan