Expat Communication 2022 Barometer results Survey N°4: Ecological awareness and expatriation?
Is your company interested in the results of expatriation surveys?
The findings of this 4th Expat Communication Barometer survey of 2022 shed light on the link between ecological awareness and expatriation.
The results are mixed and seemingly paradoxical, like the subject itself which unites and divides opinions at the same time
You can also listen to the survey’s results on :
- La radio des Français dans le monde, listen to the podcast
To learn more, Click here.
- RFI, rubric “Vivre ailleurs”, listen to the podcast
A clear awareness of climate issues.
Of the 2114 expatriates who participated in this survey, only 10% said they were not aware of climate issues. Results point to clear understanding : 89% claim they have a good knowledge of the issues, and 57% of them, a very good knowledge of the issues.
Contrasting perceptions of carbon impact.
However, their perception of the impact they have during an expatriation is very mixed. While half of the expatriates surveyed say that it is difficult to save energy during an expatriation, 42% answer the opposite. There is almost a 50/50 split between those who feel they have increased their carbon footprint and those who feel they have reduced it. On a scale ranging from -50 to +50, the average is +2, with significant variations. The subject therefore divides as much as it gathers. When asked if they would give up expatriating to a country that is not aligned with their ecological conscience, expats are once more divided (49% for, 51% against).
Simple and accessible "best practices".
Expatriates have many ways of minimizing their carbon footprint as illustrated by the best practices that many of them shared.
The highest-scording best practice buying locally (70% of expatriates). Next is reducing the number of trips home (42%) and rounding out the top three, limiting international deliveries (41%).
Other best practices include recycling, sorting waste, limiting the use of plastic, not taking the car as much and instead, going by bike or on foot whenever possible.
And even though non-expatriates are also confronted with climate issues and therefore must make changes in their daily life, expatriates also have to deal with the issue of air travel which is often an integral part of their mission. Aware of this constraint, it seems necessary to rethink the classic international mobility model. This transition, which is already underway, could explain the very mixed results of this survey.
“Every little bit counts and it’s the sum of all these actions that will protect the planet.”
Although some expats may hide behind the excuse of their host country’s inaction, each person can in fact play a role and adopt certain best pratices that contribute to protecting the planet.
In conclusion
Ecological awareness is very present in the results of this survey. When talking about methods and actions, “a finer calculation must be made” so that the actions taken actually lead to reducing expats’ carbon footprint.
Within the same country, within the same age group, depending on the status of the expatriate (transferred by his/her employer or chose to settle there), opinions diverge and are sometimes contradictory.
The first solution that experts recommend is to keep learning, and increase knowledge and awareness on the issues in order to manage their its impact.
Today, many organizations help raise public awareness on climate issues. For example, many provide free online carbon footprint calculators. This is one essential step to understanding the impact we have in order to act effectively.
Expatriation is not incompatible with an ecological conscience.
Raising awareness allows us adapt our actions on a daily basis, to integrate behavioral guidelines so that best practices become habits – all steps, to protecting the planet.
We would like to thank Paul Druesne of STEPS, for his help understanding current climate challenges and issues.
The detailed results of this survey are reserved for the members of the Expat Communication Barometer Board. Every two months, we share with you the results of our expatriate surveys.
Take the current survey
The questionnaires are available in French or English. This link is accessible from your computer, tablet or phone.
Duration of the questionnaire: about 5 min
Your answers are treated confidentially, and if you wish to receive the results directly and answer our future surveys, you will be redirected at the end of the questionnaire to a second link to guarantee the anonymity of your answers to our survey.
Your participation is essential, thank you in advance for taking time to respond.
The board members of the Expat Communication 2022 Barometer.
Distributors of the Expat Communication Barometer.
Sabine Garnier-Posez
After studies and a professional career in economics and accounting, Sabine moved abroad with her family, first to Morocco, Brazil, Germany and now lives in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Sabine joined Expat Communication as Head of the Expatriation Barometer
Join our panel
If you would like to have access to the infographics and survey results, join the Barometer Board or contact us via the link below for more information:
On the same topic:
The tour of expatriation in 2024
The faces of expatriation in 2023 – Excellence and vulnerability
Baromètre Expat Communication 2023 : White paper
The impact of expatriation on daily life – results of survey n°3 Barometer Expat Communication 2023
Career and Expatriation: Expat Communication 2023 Barometer, results survey N°2
