Sustainability is Sticky

The recent New York Times article, “Is a Food Revolution in Season” is remarkable in that it identifies the serious attention being paid to what some consider a peripheral issue - sustainable agriculture.

I find it incredible the endurance of sustainability and corporate responsibility as a topical and relevant issue of the day. The worst economic crisis in 80 years hasn’t dented the intense interest in public discourse around climate change, health and wellness, and ethical corporate behaviour.

The ongoing relevance of sustainability is borne out in GlobeScan’s ongoing tracking of societal views and expectations across the world - our latest global poll across 30 countries shows a growing interest among consumers to reward and punish companies based on their social and environmental performance. This “stuff” continues to matter to people even as they grapple with serious economic hardship and dislocation. President Obama’s attempt to bundle a host of issues - health care reform, action on climate change, education improvements, and regulatory changes to the way business operates - is in line with the public’s mind set.