Falling confidence that American businesses will help stop climate change, survey says

Americans’ understanding of the problem of climate change hasn’t changed, but their faith in corporations’ promises to address the issue is falling, according to a new opinion survey.

In the latest Media & Technology Survey from Boston University’s College of Communication and IPSOS, 61% of Americans expressed the belief that climate change is predominantly being caused by human activities. This was only slightly less, and not statistically significantly different from the 64% who expressed that belief in a Boston University survey conducted in November 2022.

The responses are consistent with other recent polling showing steady understanding of, and concern about, climate.

But over the same time, the survey suggests that Americans’ confidence that large companies will work to address the issue slipped substantially. In 2022, 60% of respondents believed that “corporate initiatives to address climate change will make a difference,” but now only 48% believe that – a statistically significant decline. Also, 57% of respondents agree with the statement that “corporate promises to address climate change are mostly empty promises,” while only 9% disagreed, revealing a major credibility gap for companies.

“The public is increasingly recognizing the greenwashing doublespeak from corporations that loudly promote sustainability efforts, even as the majority of their investments continue to support activities that harm the environment,” said Michelle Amazeen, associate professor of mass communication at Boston University’s College of Communication and co-author of the survey. “This credibility gap highlights the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability in corporate environmental claims.”

Of course, a lot has happened since 2022, added Chris Wells, professor of emerging media studies at Boston University’s College of Communication and a co-author of the survey.

“The years 2022-2023 were a high point for climate pledges, with hundreds of large companies pledging future net-zero operations as they responded to multiplying global climate disasters, growing public concern, and President Biden’s administration making enormous new investments in American-made renewable technology,” Wells said.

President Trump’s administration has dismantled much of those investments, and used threats to chill discussion and commitments of future climate progress, he added. “At the same time, energy-hungry artificial intelligence has led some companies to conclude that they cannot live up to their commitments. Others are keeping their goals, but have gone radio-silent in the current political environment.”

Climate change induced primarily by fossil fuel-based carbon dioxide emissions continues apace, with 2023 and 2024 sequentially setting new records for the hottest average global surface temperature on record.

Interestingly, Americans are very willing to adjust their own lifestyles to address the climate problem, the survey suggests: 61% agree that it is something that individuals should do. But their feeling that they can do so in partnership with corporations has fallen, Wells said. Only 46% felt it was important to buy goods from companies working to fight climate change, compared to 53% three years ago.

“There is consistency in Americans’ concern about climate and willingness to participate in reducing the problem,” Wells said. “What we see in these data is the growing perception that other parts of society—in particular, the corporate business sector—are not as invested.”

Survey Summary

Respondents to November’s Media and Technology Survey were asked how much do they agree or disagree with the following statements:

I believe the earth’s atmosphere is warming, in large part because of CO2 emissions due to human activities.

2025: 61% agree (includes strongly agree), 17% disagree (includes strongly disagree), 22% neither
2022: 64% agree (includes strongly agree), 15% disagree (includes strongly disagree), 21% neither/don’t know

I believe corporate initiatives to address climate change will make a difference.

2025: 48% agree, 22% disagree, 30% neither|
2022: 60% agree, 15% disagree, 25% neither/don’t know

It is important to me to buy products and services from companies that work to combat climate change.

2025: 46% agree, 19% disagree, 35% neither
2022: 53% agree, 17% disagree, 29% neither/don’t know

It is important for individuals to make changes in their lifestyles to reduce their role in climate change.

2025: 61% agree, 14% disagree, 24% neither

Corporate promises to address climate change are mostly empty promises.

2025: 57% agree, 9% disagree, 34% neither

About the Media & Technology Survey

The Media & Technology Survey is an ongoing project of the Communication Research Center (CRC) at Boston University’s College of Communication. This month’s polls were conducted in English from October 31 to November 3, 2025. This online survey has a credibility interval (CI) of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. The data were weighted to the U.S. population data by region, gender, age, HHI and race/ethnicity. Statistical margins of error are not applicable to online polls. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error and measurement error.

Contact: Burton Glass, Boston University College of Communication, bglass@bu.edu