By Burt Glass
Americans’ understanding of the problem of climate change hasn’t changed, but their faith in corporations’ promises to address the issue is falling, according to a new opinion survey.
In the latest Media & Technology Survey from Boston University’s College of Communication and IPSOS, 61% of Americans expressed the belief that climate change is predominantly being caused by human activities. This was only slightly less, and not statistically significantly different from the 64% who expressed that belief in a Boston University survey conducted in November 2022.
The responses are consistent with other recent polling showing steady understanding of, and concern about, climate.
But over the same time, the survey suggests that Americans’ confidence that large companies will work to address the issue slipped substantially. In 2022, 60% of respondents believed that “corporate initiatives to address climate change will make a difference,” but now only 48% believe that – a statistically significant decline. Also, 57% of respondents agree with the statement that “corporate promises to address climate change are mostly empty promises,” while only 9% disagreed, revealing a major credibility gap for companies.