Climate Sentiment Index
As many as 81 percent of Poles declare to worry about the recent climate changes. Results of the Climate Sentiment Index survey carried out by Deloitte indicate that six out of ten respondents are seriously concerned about the current status of the natural environment. Women are vast majority in this group. The survey was carried out shortly before the Earth Overshoot Day. The day marks the time when people have used up resources corresponding to the volume of goods and services produced during one year, thus exceeding Earth’s capabilities to replenish them. So, as of 29 July, we have been eco-debtors.
This year’s Earth Overshoot Day has fallen nearly a month earlier than last year, which means the pace at which we use up natural resources has increased considerably.
Our latest survey indicates that business transformation aimed at climate protection is a necessity not only because forced by regulatory changes. 81 per cent of Poles who admit to be climate-concerned are potential employees and clients, whose needs should be considered particularly important by companies. Nearly two-thirds of us declare to have worried about the recent climate changes during last month. This is an alarming result, which should make enterprises act
- says Irena Pichola, Partner, Sustainable Development Leader in Poland and CE, and Global Leader, Climate and Sustainable Development in the Public Sector, Deloitte.
She has pointed out that the most concerned groups were women, people aged 50+, those professionally active and having children. Importantly, those who can see adverse impact of the climate changes in their direct surroundings are three times more concerned about natural environment. This may mean that the growing visibility of climate changes will be accompanied by the growing number of those concerned.
People who have children are more worried about our climate. The number of those concerned in the group of parents is higher than the survey’s average. This demonstrates that people worry more about the life quality of future generations than about their own. Nearly three-fourths of respondents say their children and grandchildren shall benefit from the limiting of climate changes vs. 7 percent maintaining they will benefit themselves.
It’s time to act
According to 55 percent of Poles surveyed by Deloitte, too little is being done to counteract climate deterioration. 43 percent expect fast and radical actions, even at high cost. 46 percent expect less speed, to give scientists time to find the most effective solutions. Only 7 percent believe the world has done enough in this respect. A very small group (4 percent) consists of those who do not want any changes.
Those observing adverse effects of climate changes in their direct surrounding and those who have worried about the climate over last month expect the most radical measures. Both groups of those concerned indicate the need to undertake radical climate protection measures twice more frequently than the other respondents,
- says Irena Pichola. Also in this case, responses were affected by gender: although both men and women expected more radical actions, more women indicated the need of slower actions, based on good understanding of the related phenomena, while more men were supporting radical initiatives.
Starting from ourselves
Households that declare to be climate-concerned are more ready to undertake certain actions in this respect. Most frequently cited ones include garbage sorting, performed by more than two-thirds of respondents, and food waste elimination (62 percent). Reduced water consumption comes third (61 percent).
Over three-thirds of respondents declared their readiness to pay more for eco-friendly goods. Most of them are ready to pay a little more (up to ten percent over the standard price), 14 percent - considerably more (up to 20 percent), and four percent say they would pay even over 20 percent more.
The readiness to pay higher prices is expressed mostly by those concerned about the climate. Interestingly, age matters in this respect. Respondents aged under 35 are more ready to pay more for eco-friendly goods.
One-third of respondents are ready to pay higher taxes to invest in climate protection. On average, they were ready to pay approx. PLN 50 per month for this purpose. Again, the readiness is correlated with climate concerns and age of the respondents. Those concerned about the climate are prone to pay on average PLN 22 more than those unconcerned, and people aged below 35 are prone to pay on average PLN 29 more than older respondents.
Responsible business
Employer’s approach to climate issues is also important for the survey participants. Over one-fourth are ready to accept a lower salary from an eco-friendly employer. Persons concerned about the current status of natural environment constitute more than a half of this group. Usually they are ready to accept a salary reduced by up to 5 percent.
The importance of employer’s approach to environment is reflected in the considerable (27 percent) number of respondents who declare to consider changing their job if the company they are working for fails to implement sustainable business practices. 37 percent of the surveyed are proud to work for organisations that undertake measures to reduce emissions, travels or the use of plastic.
For modern firms doing business means not only making money, but also taking responsibility for people, the quality of their life, and thus for the environment. In Deloitte we not only educate market participants and help them to carry out climate-related transformation, but, in line with our global strategy, undertake our own climate protection measures. We adjust processes to reduce our own emissions and incentivise employees to participate in climate protection initiatives. We have incorporated Deloitte Polska Foundation, which focuses on three areas: education, charity and climate protection. Our goal is to encourage employees and clients to undertake initiatives facilitating transition to low-emission economy and implementation of assumptions adopted by the Paris Agreement,
- says Tomasz Konik, Managing Partner, Deloitte Poland.
The report can be downloaded here
