Consumersinternational.org Who is Responsible for Building Carbon Consciousness? Luke Upchurch Consumers International 17 March 2010.

consumersinternational.org

Who is Responsible for Building

Carbon Consciousness?

Luke Upchurch

Consumers International

17 March 2010


About Consumers International

• Global federation of consumer organisations

• Over 220 member organisations in 115 countries

• Independent and not-for-profit

• Global research and campaigns through and for our members



CI on climate change

• Ongoing campaigns on sustainable consumption, access to energy and green claims

• Leading NGO participation in the Marrakesh process and UNCSD

• Research into what assures consumers on climate changes.


consumersinternational.orgconsumersinternational.org

What is the state of consumer ‘climate consciousness’?


Development of carbon consciousness is challenged by perceptions of:

Political mistrust

Scientific doubt

Economic uncertainty



0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

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UK

Spain

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India

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Russia

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2008 2009

% who agree or strongly agree that “The environmental movement is a passing fad”

Source: National Geographic Greendex/nVision 2009


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110% May-08 Sep-09

Corporations and climate change% who believe corporations and industry are not doing enough to fight climate change, by country

Source: Eurobarometer/nVision 2009


CI research - What assures consumers on climate change?

66% of consumers in the US and UK believe everyone needs to take responsibility for their personal contribution to global warming

But… two thirds of consumers demand that governments and businesses take a stronger role

Much potential consumer action is prevented due to feelings of disempowerment and demotivation.


Belief in the impact of one’s purchasing decisions is

6 times

more reliable as an indicator of consumer actionthan environmental concern.


95% of consumers said they would “buy green”, even though only 75% knew what a green product was.



Companies to commit publically to ethical marketing when it comes to green claims. Follow agreed codes of practice.

Governments to approach green claims as they do tobacco or junk food advertising.

Consumer groups to act as a watchdog on green claims.


Confusion reigns!!! We need clarity and consistency


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10%

20%

30%

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50%

60%

70%

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27

“Should a label indicating a product’s carbon footprint be mandatory in the future?”% who agree, by country

Source: Eurobarometer/nVision 2009


Companies need to show clarity on labels so consumers know what is covered.

Appeal to mainstream and avoid chasing niche consumer-types.

Government must lead on choice editing to remove high GHG products from the start. Lead on legislative framework.

All must work towards standardised, mandatory information.




[email protected]



A coordinated approach

National action plan Global frameworks

Industry codesNutritional profiling and reductions

Lifestyle campaignsMarketing restrictions

labelling

Behavioural change


How do consumers relate to climate change issues?

Source: Consumers International/Globescan, 2007

Consumersinternational.org Who is Responsible for Building Carbon Consciousness? Luke Upchurch Consumers International 17 March 2010.

Documents

thirds of consumers

consumer groups

climate changes

green product

potential consumer action

niche consumertypes

building carbon consciousness

ci research