A growing number of employees across the globe are expressing concern over how their companies are addressing climate change and sustainability. According to a new survey by Deloitte, only 38 percent of respondents believe their employers are doing enough to tackle environmental issues. This figure marks a noticeable decline from 45 percent in 2021, suggesting a widening trust gap between corporate climate pledges and actual progress.

Deloitte’s Global Dashboard Tracks Shifting Public Sentiment

The insights come from Deloitte’s newly launched Sustainability Signals Dashboard, which draws on biannual surveys of around 20,000 individuals in 20 countries. The initiative is designed to track how environmental awareness, perceptions, and behaviors are evolving across age groups and geographies.

Public Concern for Climate Change Remains Strong

Despite declining confidence in corporate efforts, public concern about climate change continues to grow. Globally, 65 percent of respondents view climate change as a global emergency. Younger individuals tend to be more alarmed, with 68 percent of those aged 18 to 34 in agreement, compared to 63 percent of those aged 55 and above.

The United States, however, showed lower overall concern. Only 52 percent of Americans surveyed considered climate change an emergency, and the generational gap was even more pronounced. Among younger Americans, 55 percent agreed with the statement, while just 48 percent of those over 55 shared the sentiment.

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Belief in Human-Caused Climate Change Holds Steady

Deloitte found that belief in anthropogenic climate change is relatively consistent worldwide. About 75 percent of respondents believe that climate change is caused by human activity, a number that has fluctuated only slightly between 70 and 78 percent since 2021.

In the United States, belief in human-driven climate change is gaining traction. Seventy percent of U.S. respondents now agree, up from 60 percent in 2023. While the U.S. still lags behind the global average, the upward trend indicates growing awareness.

Employee Expectations Are Influencing Career Choices

The survey suggests that workers are increasingly factoring environmental values into career decisions. Around 25 percent of respondents said they have considered switching to an employer that demonstrates stronger environmental responsibility. A similar percentage said they would evaluate a company’s sustainability track record before accepting a job offer.

The data highlights a generational shift in expectations. Employees, especially younger ones, are not only looking for better pay or benefits but also purpose-driven work aligned with their personal values.

Sustainable Investing and Consumer Choices Show Resilience

Sustainability continues to influence financial decisions as well. One in three respondents reported that environmental and climate considerations play a role in where they invest or which financial institutions they support. This has increased slightly from 31 percent in 2021.

Meanwhile, consumer demand for sustainable products has remained steady. Roughly half of respondents say they purchase at least one sustainable product every month. However, affordability remains a barrier. Thirty-eight percent of consumers say they paid more for their most recent sustainable product, and 40 percent cite cost as the biggest obstacle. Another 22 percent admit they do not want to change their preferred brands or products.

Climate Risk Is Shaping Where People Choose to Live

One of the most striking findings in the report is the influence of climate change on relocation decisions. Half of the people surveyed said climate change would be a factor in choosing a place to live. Additionally, 11 percent reported that they had already moved or were planning to move due to climate risks.

Younger generations are more responsive to these risks. Sixty-four percent of respondents aged 18 to 34 said climate factors were influencing their thinking about future living arrangements. In contrast, only 52 percent of those aged 35 to 54 and 37 percent of those over 55 said the same.

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Conclusion: A Clear Call for Corporate Accountability

Deloitte’s survey reveals a critical message for companies. While public concern for the environment is rising, belief in corporate climate responsibility is shrinking. Employees are no longer content with vague promises or green marketing. They expect measurable progress, transparent action, and long-term commitment.

Companies that fail to meet these expectations may face reputational risks and find it harder to attract or retain talent. Those that lead on climate action, on the other hand, may gain not just public trust but a lasting competitive advantage. The results of this survey make it clear. Environmental responsibility is no longer a side issue. It is now central to business credibility and employee loyalty.

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