52% Parents Pause Family Plans for Climate Change
HP study finds climate crisis is changing parental decisions on purchasing, careers and even family size
· New research from HP reveals 91% of parents are concerned about climate change, with a majority indicating the crisis has even impacted their perspective on having more children.
· Study reveals most parents are looking for companies to take action on climate change and are prioritising sustainable practices and purchases.
· Insights are timely, as HP releases its 22nd annual Sustainable Impact Report detailing progress toward its ambition to be the most sustainable and just technology company.
This week, HP announced new global research conducted by Morning Consult revealing the serious actions many parents are taking due to climate change, from everyday decisions to long-term family planning.
The study among parents in the United Kingdom found that 91% of parents are concerned about the climate crisis, leading to changes that are reshaping their lives and purchasing habits. More than half (52%) say it has impacted their perspective on having more children. Forty-three percent of respondents said they had reconsidered working for a company based on its commitment to environmental and social issues.
The research also found many parents favour companies that are taking action to address climate change. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of parents prefer products that are sustainably sourced and 60% say sustainable company practices play a large part in their purchasing habits. That is despite the findings that the vast majority of parents (84%) acknowledge the cost of living is rising and more than half (57%) believe engaging in environmentally friendly practices takes up a lot of time.
“At HP we aim to connect families to the things that matter most – work, entertainment, or staying in touch with loved ones,” said Dave Prezzano, SVP and MD of Northwest Europe Market, HP Inc. ”Today’s parents face a number of unique pressures, from the cost of living to the climate crisis - that’s why at HP we keep sustainability top of mind and ensure our business benefits eco-conscious customers and the planet.”
While parents are taking personal action, most also believe key players in the corporate world must act, too. Most parents (75%) believe that companies have “a lot” of responsibility in holding themselves accountable on climate action, as opposed to customers (25%).
“It’s time we stop looking at consumers to solve the climate crisis,” said Maria Collin Head of Sustainability Nordics & Northwest Europe Market Sustainability Lead. “While we can all our do part to make more sustainable choices and purchases, the onus should be on businesses and government to drive real change from the top down. Our research shows that parents look to these organisations for guidance and inspiration – it's up to us to make sure we set a good example, create tangible sustainability goals and initiatives, and deliver on our promises.”
The findings come as HP releases its annual Sustainable Impact report for the twenty-second year. The report details the company’s progress toward comprehensive and bold environmental and social goals. HP has:
· Reduced its absolute carbon footprint by 18% since 2019. This brings the company closer to its goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040 – end to end.
· Reduced single-use plastic packaging by 55% compared to 2018.
· Counteracted deforestation for 32% of all paper used in HP products and services toward goal of 100%.
· Accelerated digital equity for more than 21 million people on path to 150 million by 2030.
HP aspires to be the most sustainable and just technology company. In 2021, HP set ambitious Sustainable Impact goals in three areas where the company believes it can make the most difference – Climate Action, Human Rights and Digital Equity. The 2022 report details progress toward all three focus areas including a net zero carbon value chain, giving back more to forests than we take, creating a more circular economy, building a culture of equality and empowerment, and accelerating digital equity around the world to enable traditionally excluded communities to thrive in a digital economy.
About the Study
HP commissioned global research firm Morning Consult to conduct independent research on this topic. It was conducted between May 18-26, 2023, among a sample of 5,007 adults in the U.S., United Kingdom, India, Mexico and Singapore. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
About HP
HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit: http://www.hp.com.
