The 2024 GlobeScan/ERM Sustainability Institute Leaders Survey reveals significant concerns among nearly 500 sustainability experts from 65 countries regarding pressing global challenges.
According to the survey, climate change stands out as the paramount issue, with an overwhelming 96% of experts considering it the most critical challenge. This consensus underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action to mitigate its impacts and adapt to its consequences.
In addition to climate change, experts also highlight biodiversity loss, deforestation, water scarcity, water pollution, and food security as equally severe challenges. Over 80% of respondents view these issues as urgent, reflecting their interconnectedness with climate change and the compounded risks they pose to sustainable development worldwide.
Climate Change Dominates Global Concerns in 2024 Sustainability Leaders Survey
Notably, the perceived urgency of food security has notably escalated in recent years, indicating its increasing linkage with climate change and other interrelated sustainability concerns.
The survey emphasizes the need for integrated approaches to tackle these interconnected challenges effectively. Experts advocate for collaborative efforts spanning government policies, business innovation, and community empowerment.
Such holistic strategies are deemed essential for addressing not only the immediate threats posed by climate change and environmental degradation but also for fostering long-term resilience and sustainability across sectors.
The findings underscore a growing consensus among sustainability leaders on the imperative to prioritize climate action and environmental stewardship. As these challenges intensify, the survey calls for concerted efforts from diverse stakeholders to implement robust solutions that can mitigate risks, enhance adaptive capacity, and foster sustainable development on a global scale.
Looking ahead, the survey’s insights provide a critical roadmap for policymakers, businesses, and civil society to align their efforts toward achieving sustainable development goals. By addressing these urgent challenges with integrated and collaborative approaches, stakeholders can pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.
