Government and businesses key players in climate action, but employees see themselves as less responsible and less capable

Governments and companies are seen as the main actors in addressing climate change. Yet individual employees within the Dutch government and private sector feel relatively little responsibility or agency to tackle the problem, according to research from the University of Groningen.

Employees from government institutions, businesses, and the general public were asked to what extent they believe six different groups — government, businesses, the financial sector, NGOs, the media, and Dutch citizens — are responsible and capable of taking action against climate change, and how motivated and inclined they are to do so. They were also asked to what extent they themselves feel responsible and capable of taking climate action, and how motivated and inclined they are to do so.

Overall, governments and businesses are seen as the most responsible and effective actors, but their employees often perceive their own role as limited.

The findings suggest that it is important for professionals to better recognize what they themselves can do at work to help mitigate climate change, and to be supported in doing so, so they can take (more) action.