The latest Ipsos Global Trends report is grim reading for the environmental optimist, with Climate Emergency the number one trend around the world. But what more can companies do?
“80% globally agree that we are heading for environmental disaster unless we change our habits quickly”
A few weeks ago, the latest Ipsos Global Trends report landed on the desks of politicians, academics, CEOs, and business leaders all over the world. Last published in 2016, the report gathers a vast amount of data using interviews with more than 22,000 people across 33 countries, distilling it all down using advanced analytics and expert analysis to 12 key trends that define who we are and how we live.
Those 12 trends range from the continual desire to keep up with the very latest technology to the search for simplicity and meaning. But the number one trend across the world, the “most intense global value in 2020”, and the trend that’s most likely to influence society, politics, business and culture is the climate emergency.
Shifting attitudes
Titled ‘Climate Emergency and Antagonism’, the chapter on the environment begins with a stark statistic: 80% globally agree that we are heading for environmental disaster unless we change our habits quickly – a figure that’s risen steadily since 2013. Around the world, the country with the biggest shift in attitude is actually Great Britain, with those expecting environmental disaster increasing from 59% in 2013 to 78% in 2019.
Going further, the report then states that 82% globally agree that the climate change we are currently witnessing is largely the result of human activity, which has led to greater scrutiny of businesses and what they are or are not doing to actively fight climate change. People now expect companies to promote sustainability and be transparent about their behaviour and working practices, and any examples of ‘greenwashing’ will be called out and exposed. At least two-thirds (67%) in virtually every market agree that companies don’t pay enough attention to the environment.
Part of the solution, not the problem
As a company, there’s a great deal that you can do to not only decrease your impact on the environment but also demonstrate that activity to your colleagues, customers and business partners. You’re no doubt aware of the opportunities around green energy, recycling and using sustainable products, but there’s a national scheme that enables you to reduce your carbon emissions simply by using the right paper and printer.
Carbon Balanced Paper is an initiative that encourages companies to use papers and printers that have had their carbon impact balanced by World Land Trust. Backed by environmental experts such as Sir David Attenborough, World Land Trust is an international conservation charity that protects the planet’s most biologically important and threatened habitats, and the Carbon Balanced programme offsets emissions through the purchase and preservation of high conservation value forests around the globe.
By using Carbon Balanced Paper and its range of certified printers, you can not only reduce your carbon emissions but generate funds that will help World Land Trust save the world’s most endangered habitats – a fact that your customers would be very interested in.
“When it comes to environmental responsibility, society will need to recognise that it’s actually up to everyone and anyone, and quickly,” concludes the environmental section of the Ipsos report. “Collaboration is key – working together towards a shared goal is particularly important when it comes to problems that require complex solutions.”
Carbon Balanced Paper is an important part of that solution.
- For more information about Carbon Balanced Paper, email info@carbonbalancedpaper.com
- For more information about World Land Trust and their work, go to www.worldlandtrust.org
- For more information on the Ipsos Global Trends 2020 report, go to www.ipsosglobaltrends.com
Article written by Sam Upton.
