Consumers believe in warming, blame industry, government

Manufacturing News, Source : The Manufacturer US
Published : 05 Mar 2007 21:36

PR: A “mainstream issue” for consumers, but news not all bad for industry

As we go to press, it is the morning after the Oscars, and Al Gore is glowing from his Best Documentary win for “An Inconvenient Truth.”

Be it truth or exaggeration, more than 60 percent of US consumers believe in global warming and hold government and “big business” directly accountable. That according to market research firm The MindClick Group and market research software company Global Market Insite, Inc., which released the findings of a new study detailing consumer attitudes toward climate change.

The study polled US consumers online in January 2007 and identified five distinct market segments that explain US attitudes and opinions about global warming as follows: Alarmists, who hold business and government accountable and believe global warming affects their health; Optimists, who are extremely concerned but believe government and individuals are addressing the problem of global warming; the Worried Middle, who believe profit motivations prevent business, industry, and government from providing solutions; the Confused, who are moderately concerned and believe it calls for government/industry attention; and the Non-Believers, who deny that global warming is happening and believe no change is required by business, industry, or government.

Some key findings:

• 50 percent of US consumers believe the oil, gas, and automotive industries value profits over climate change implications

• At least 33 percent of US consumers attribute changes in personal health to unusual weather

• One out of three US consumers attribute unusual weather patterns to global warming

“For anyone who questions whether climate change is a mainstream issue, the answer is a resounding YES,” explains JoAnna Abrams, CEO of The MindClick Group. “Be it political, economical, or environmental, global warming is now a mainstream issue among US consumers. Business leaders need to fully understand and prepare for the potential impact on their brands, products, and bottom line.

“The news is not all bad for big business,” continued Abrams. “American consumers are increasingly receptive to corporations that are finding ways to develop and implement truly innovative policies, programs, products and services that positively impact climate change. Conversely, survey results indicate that companies that choose to ignore environmental concerns can expect to find themselves at an economic disadvantage to those who embrace and effectively respond to it.”

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