Tipping Point or Turning Point? Social Marketing & Climate Change

If consumerism is a force for good, then there are few issues that test the truth of that more than the challenge of facing up to climate change. It is true that there are many environmental challenges, from the change in habitats and ecosystems through to the loss of marine life and the extinction of species.

But climate change stands out as an emergency because of its reach and the long time-lags involved. Carbon emissions released today persist in the atmosphere over the longer term, as if we were walking with our shadow lengthening on the ground in front of us. Responding to this challenge means acting at every level, from the individual in their lives as consumers and as citizens to business and government at local, national and global levels.

This latest research by Ipsos is key in helping all concerned to understand and unpick these choices. Where are we now? How did we get here? And what are the possible solutions?The findings helpfully build on and update the work of Sustainable Consumption Roundtable in our 2006 Report, I Will if You Will.