A recently published online survey by GlobeScan involving more than 1,000 Americans conducted the last week of March 2025 finds that overwhelmingly, Americans want CEOs to speak out about changes in our climate and DEI (diversity, equality, and inclusion) initiatives.

GlobeScan is an international advisory firm that specializes in advising companies about sustainability issues and helps organizations reduce risks due to changes in our climate.

The study found that support for CEOs to express their environmental and sustainability concerns “cuts across both political and generational lines, including at least half of Republicans and older generations, not just Democrats or Gen Z.” 

More specifically, the study reported the following:

•        Seventy-one percent, a clear majority of respondents, want CEOs to address our planet’s changing climate.

•        Sixty-seven percent said they believe CEOs should publicly defend DEI initiatives.

•        Fifty-six percent of respondents who identify as Republicans joined the majority urging CEOs to speak up on climate and sustainability issues.

•        However, only 50 percent of Republicans support defending DEI.

It also found that Democrats (at 83 percent) and the Gen Z generation (78 percent) are the most significant supporters of CEOs expressing their views and concerns about climate issues and sustainability.

While stressing his non-political stance, Steve Ashkin, President of The Ashkin Group, and the professional cleaning industry’s leading advocate for sustainability, expressed some surprise at the study results, adding a layer of intrigue to the findings.

For instance, he finds that many CEOs and organizations today “feel pressured to remain quiet currently and not speak out. There’s just too much political volatility on these issues right now,” he says.

However, even with this in mind, the study indicates that most people want their business leaders to be courageous and express their concerns.

“CEOs should not feel obligated to address every issue,” adds Ashkin. “However, if an issue is central to their company’s values, beliefs, and mission, people expect them to provide clear guidance and encourage action.”

Source: Globescan, Sustainability in the USA: What Consumers Think and Expect in 2025; published May 7, 2025

About the Ashkin Group and Steve Ashkin

Stephen Ashkin is recognized as the “Father of Green Cleaning” and a leading voice for sustainability within the professional cleaning industry. He founded The Ashkin Group more than 25 years ago. Today, it is a globally recognized consulting firm dedicated to promoting environmentally friendly cleaning practices and sustainability.

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Robert Kravitz

AlturaSolutions Communications

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