Actions by Business Leaders and Politicians Deemed Insufficient to Address Climate Change

According to a survey by the Capgemini Research Institute and UNICEF, the majority of young people globally aged 16-24 agree that business and political leaders should contribute more to combating climate change by 2025.

In developing countries (Global South), a majority or 74% of young people even acknowledge that business leaders are not doing enough to combat climate change.

Meanwhile, 66% of young people in developing countries agree that political leaders are not doing enough to combat climate change.

Egypt is the country in the Global South with the highest proportion of respondents agreeing that these two figures are not doing enough to address this environmental issue.

Below Egypt is Indonesia, with the highest level of agreement among young people in developing countries in this survey.

The following are the complete results of the level of agreement among young people in developing countries regarding the actions of business and political leaders deemed insufficient to combat climate change:

• Egypt

Business Leaders: 93%

Political Leaders: 83%

• Indonesia

Business Leaders: 90%

Political Leaders: 84%

• Ethiopia

Business Leaders: 86%

Political Leaders: 82%

• Kenya

Business Leaders: 81%

Political Leaders: 72%

• Turkey

Business Leaders: 79%

Political Leaders: 72%

• Brazil

Business Leaders: 76%

Political Leaders: 73%

• Bangladesh

Business Leaders: 76%

Political Leaders: 69%

• Nigeria

Business Leaders: 74%

Political Leaders: 75%

• Pakistan

Business Leaders: 74%

Political Leaders: 69%

• India

Business Leaders: 72%

Political Leaders: 63%

• South Africa

Business Leaders: 70%

Political Leaders: 67%

• Mexico

Business Leaders: 66%

Political Leaders: 68%

• China

Business Leaders: 63%

Political Leaders: 46%

• Thailand

Business Leaders: 62%

Political Leaders: 49%

• Global South

Business Leaders: 74%

Political Leaders: 66%

According to the Capgemini Research Institute and UNICEF, this lack of trust in business and political leaders is eroding young people's trust in institutions.

Meanwhile, climate activist Shibani Padhy stated that while some companies are investing in renewable energy and reducing emissions, many still prioritize short-term profits over long-term sustainability.

“We need a systemic transformation, where climate action is embedded in the core business model. Companies must support young people in developing green skills and preparing for careers in sustainability,” she said in the Capgemini Research Institute and UNICEF report.

The survey was conducted in February-March 2025 with 5,100 respondents aged 16-24 from various countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Specifically for developing countries, there were 4,245 young respondents and 855 respondents from developed countries (Global North).