A new international survey of sustainability experts reveals a critical consensus: the current global approach to sustainability is “no longer fit for purpose,” with over half of respondents calling for a “radical overhaul.” The report, titled ‘Sustainability at a Crossroads,’ was jointly developed and fielded by GlobeScan, ERM, and Volans.
The comprehensive survey, which gathered insights from 844 sustainability experts across 72 countries, indicates a pivotal moment for the global sustainability agenda. While the field has matured significantly over decades, there’s a strong agreement that a fundamental shift is necessary to address contemporary challenges effectively.
Key Findings from the Report:
Urgent Need for Change: More than nine in ten experts believe a shift is needed, with over 50% advocating for a radical overhaul of current sustainability approaches. This is viewed not as a crisis, but as an opportunity for bold, future-fit strategies.
Stalled Progress & Rising Backlash: Frustration is high regarding the slow pace of change. There’s a noticeable increase in organized resistance to the sustainability agenda, particularly in North America, though this backlash is less prevalent in the Asia-Pacific region.
Eroding Confidence in Global Frameworks: There is low belief in the effectiveness of major global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement, with many experts questioning their ability to deliver the necessary impact.
Underperformance by Key Actors: National governments and institutional investors received the lowest performance ratings, with only 5% of experts rating government efforts as excellent. The private sector’s performance scores have also declined to their lowest point since tracking began in 2012.
Declining Faith in Civil Society: Since 2012, positive ratings have significantly dropped for social movements (-21%), NGOs (-16%), multi-sector partnerships (-15%), and the UN (-12%). In contrast, research and academic institutions have gained credibility.
Diverging Regional Perspectives: Experts in Europe and Africa/Middle East are the most critical of progress. Conversely, those in Latin America/Caribbean and Asia-Pacific exhibit more optimism, often viewing current political and economic shocks as opportunities rather than threats.
Source: The ‘Sustainability at a Crossroads’ survey was jointly developed and fielded by ERM, GlobeScan, and Volans.
