Epson’s recent global survey has revealed what the company calls a climate reality deficit.
The company has announced the results of its Climate Reality Barometer. It says its research discovers a potentially damaging gap between climate reality and people’s understanding of its catastrophic effects. The survey captures global experiences and perceptions of climate change from over 15,000 consumers across the world.
The Epson Climate Reality Barometer has a goal to raise greater public awareness of climate change impacts, influence transformative business decisions, and better inform policy makers.
Respondents were questioned about their views on humanity’s ability to avert a climate crisis within their lifetimes. Close to half of all respondents (46 per cent) state they are very or somewhat optimistic. In contrast, 27 per cent expressed they are very or somewhat pessimistic.
Optimism over evidence
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports that some human-driven climate change will take millennia to reverse. However, recent global events suggest a triumph of optimism over evidence and a damaging climate reality deficit. For example, the warmest July ever recorded; wildfires in Europe; North America, and Asia; and floods in China, Columbia, and Germany.
The most popular reasons supporting this optimism are growing public awareness of climate change (32 per cent), the ability of science and technology to provide solutions (28 per cent) and the move towards renewable energies (19 per cent).
Craig Heckenberg, managing director at Epson Australia and New Zealand, says, “This is a wake-up call for everyone. So governments, businesses, and individuals should work together, make the right decisions and inspire the right actions. One way in which Epson is helping to create a sustainable future for all of us is through our patented Heat-Free technology. It uses up to 94 per cent less energy when compared to an equivalent laser printer or copier. Heat-Free technology helps industries around the world move towards a more sustainable future. Epson is confident, with the support of our customers, that we can achieve the same result when it comes to printing.”
Companies can empower other businesses and consumers with sustainability supporting innovations. Epson has made a significant research and development investment into environmental technologies such as naturally derived, non-plastic, materials.
Act now to build a better future
Beyond product and materials innovation, businesses can make a big difference promoting and demonstrating climate responsibility. Epson carries this forward in three ways. Firstly, by transitioning to 100 per cent renewable electricity and engaging with initiatives such as the RE100 renewable energy project. Second, by working to close the resource loop for example, by promoting product refurbishment and reuse. Lastly, by engaging in high impact partnerships such as its work with National Geographic. The companies promote protecting permafrost through their Turn Down the Heat Campaign.
Epson believes that, working together, we can all build a better future and the business reality is that the time to act is now.
The Climate Reality Barometer suggests that for many, climate crisis remains something that happens to someone else. The survey reveals only 14 per cent of respondents recognise big businesses as most responsible for tackling the climate emergency. Just three per cent recognise the role of small companies. It suggests the time has come for companies of all sizes to play a bigger role.
Yasunori Ogawa, global president of Epson, says, “The discovery of the climate reality deficit shows that awareness coupled with action, will be critical to tackling the emergency.
“Epson’s goal is to bring this awareness and the technologies needed to action transformational change. Sustainability is central to our business plan and backed by significant resources. While we know there is a long way to go, we believe we can build a better future.”
