‘Greenwash on climate change is alive and well’ – new study reveals widespread consumer mistrust

Only 10% of US/UK consumers trust what companies and government tell them about global warming. Corporate and government efforts to inform consumers on climate change are falling on deaf ears, with barely one in ten people believing what they say on the issue. Findings to be published on June 22^nd in the report What Assures Consumers on Climate Change?, a joint international study by AccountAbility and Consumers International, shows that three quarters of US/UK consumers still feel unable to act on climate change. This is due to a lack of understanding about what individuals can do (29.8%), concerns over the financial cost of acting (39.7%), a perceived lack of availability of green goods (25.5%), and a mistrust of corporate claims about energy efficient products and services (25%). Consumers also have little faith in religious figures, celebrities or the media to provide trustworthy information on climate change. They would rather seek advice from friends and family, environmental groups and scientists.

News selected by Covalence | Country: Global | Company: Timberland, Marks & Spencer, Co-operative Group | Source: Consumers International, AccountAbility