1. consumersinternational.org Who is Responsible for Building Carbon Consciousness? Luke Upchurch Consumers International 17 March 2010

2. consumersinternational.org About Consumers International Global federation of consumer organisations Over 220 member organisations in 115 countries Independent and not-for-profit Global research and campaigns through and for our members consumersinternational.org

3. CI on climate change Ongoing campaigns on sustainable consumption, access to energy and green claims Leading NGO participation in the Marrakesh process and UNCSD Research into what assures consumers on climate changes. consumersinternational.org

4. What is the state of consumer ‘climate consciousness’?

5. consumersinternational.org Development of carbon consciousness is challenged by perceptions of: Political mistrust Scientific doubt Economic uncertainty

6. consumersinternational.org What is the state of consumer ‘climate consciousness’? % who agree or strongly agree that “The environmental movement is a passing fad” Source: National Geographic Greendex/nVision 2009

7. consumersinternational.org Corporations and climate change % who believe corporations and industry are not doing enough to fight climate change, by country Source: Eurobarometer/nVision 2009

8. consumersinternational.org CI research - What assures consumers on climate change? 66% of consumers in the US and UK believe everyone needs to take responsibility for their personal contribution to global warming But… two thirds of consumers demand that governments and businesses take a stronger role Much potential consumer action is prevented due to feelings of disempowerment and demotivation.

9. consumersinternational.org Belief in the impact of one’s purchasing decisions is 6 times more reliable as an indicator of consumer action than environmental concern.

10. consumersinternational.org 95% of consumers said they would “buy green”, even though only 75% knew what a green product was.

11. consumersinternational.org

12. Companies to commit publically to ethical marketing when it comes to green claims. Follow agreed codes of practice. Governments to approach green claims as they do tobacco or junk food advertising. Consumer groups to act as a watchdog on green claims.

13. consumersinternational.org Confusion reigns!!! We need clarity and consistency

14. consumersinternational.org “Should a label indicating a product’s carbon footprint be mandatory in the future?” % who agree, by country Source: Eurobarometer/nVision 2009

15. consumersinternational.org Companies need to show clarity on labels so consumers know what is covered. Appeal to mainstream and avoid chasing niche consumer-types. Government must lead on choice editing to remove high GHG products from the start. Lead on legislative framework. All must work towards standardised, mandatory information.

16. consumersinternational.org What is the state of consumer ‘climate consciousness’?

17. consumersinternational.org lupchurch@consint.org consumersinternational.org

18. A coordinated approach National action plan Global frameworks Industry codesNutritional profiling and reductions Lifestyle campaigns Marketing restrictions labelling Behavioural change

19. consumersinternational.org How do consumers relate to climate change issues? Source: Consumers International/Globescan, 2007