A growing number of US consumers are losing faith in the world’s ability to save the planet, this according to new global research from Mintel . The firm’s flagship “global outlook on sustainability” report reveals a crisis in eco-confidence; the number of consumers who agree, “If we act now, we still have time to save the planet,” has declined 10 percentage points from 50% in 2021 to 40% in 2024. Globally, the number has dropped seven percentage points from 55% in 2021 to 48% in 2024 per Mintel. What’s more, consumers are less convinced that they personally can make a difference in the planet’s future, with a fall in the number of global consumers who believe their actions can make a positive difference to the environment, slipping from 51% in 2021 to 47% in 2024. It is even lower in the US, with 45% saying their behavior can make a positive difference in the environment in 2024, down from 48% in 2021. Extreme Weather Prompts Climate Deniers to Rethink POV When it comes to taking responsibility for climate change, the study reveals that US consumers are “climate deniers” as only 39% agree that the US is contributing to climate change, down seven percentage points from 2021 (46%). However, recent extreme weather events have prompted Americans to reconsider their actions, as the number of those who say they are doing more to personally protect the environment has risen from 43% in 2021 to 49% in 2024 per Mintel. Playing their part to help focus the world’s attention on the environment, eco-activists are increasingly welcomed as educators in the US. While sometimes considered controversial, 43% of US consumers agree that eco-activists have raised their awareness of environmental issues, up from 36% in 2023. This, analysts say, is likely influencing the 35% […]