NEW STUDY: Canadians Are Losing Faith in CEOs to Deliver on Climate Action
October 17, 2024
A recent survey conducted by Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, reveals that Canadians are growing impatient with the slow progress of the country’s largest corporations, highlighting a concerning gap between public expectations and business efforts. These findings come at a critical moment as Canada seeks to meet the ambitious targets of the 2030 Paris Agreement.
Key findings from the survey include:
- A majority (81%) of Canadians agree big businesses and corporations in Canada need to take action now to halt climate change.
- 2 in 3 (64%) Canadians do not think CEOs and other C-Suite executives in Canada will be able to achieve their sustainability goals by the time of the Paris Climate Accord in 2030.
- 3 in 4 (76%)Canadians think that big businesses and corporations in Canada have let too much time pass without taking action on climate change.
- 7 in 10 (69%) Canadians agree CEOs and other C-Suite executives in Canada are running out of time to achieve their sustainability goals.
- Canadians are divided on their belief that CEOs and other C-Suite executives in Canada are genuinely committed to sustainable initiatives that will halt climate change (47 per cent agree).
“We are at a pivotal moment in history where sustainability can no longer be an afterthought but must be at the forefront of business agendas,” says Emily Heitman, Country President at Schneider Electric Canada. “The message from Canadians is loud and clear: they expect big businesses to take immediate, decisive action on climate change. With nearly 70% believing that CEOs are running out of time to achieve their sustainability goals, it’s critical that we act now. The Paris Climate Accord’s 2030 deadline is fast approaching, and we must accelerate our efforts to ensure we deliver on our commitments.
To regain trust, C-Suite executives must not only commit to change but demonstrate measurable progress toward meeting their goals. By prioritizing, executing, and measuring their sustainability goals, C-Suite executives can not only meet public expectations but also unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth. As consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions, companies that take a lead in this area are positioned to gain a strong competitive edge.
Schneider Electric remains dedicated to helping businesses reach their sustainability goals and achieve net-zero.
More Information
For more information on how to transform your business, visit https://www.se.com/ca/en/work/campaign/impact-makers/
To see the full results of the report, visit this link.
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