Sustainability Infuencers

Key climate and sustainability Opinion Leaders

In a collaboration between Benenson Strategy Group and a global FMCG manufacturer, we delivered a quantitative reputation assessment targeting the global sustainability community. The study captured high level perspectives from policymakers, NGO leaders, and influencers, as well as industry experts, academics, and media figures. This research enabled the client to benchmark their standing among key climate opinion leaders and align their corporate strategy with the expectations of critical global stakeholders.

  • 85 Completed Surveys
  • 4 Markets

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to capture the high-level perspectives of global opinion leaders on the most pressing sustainability issues facing the world today. By engaging with key influencers across the public and private sectors, the research aimed to identify shifting trends in climate advocacy, ESG standards, and the future of international sustainability policy.

The study provided a comprehensive cross-border analysis, focusing on 4 key international markets known for their leading roles in climate legislation and research:

  • Americas: United States and Canada
  • Europe: United Kingdom and Belgium

Methodology

The study was conducted as a targeted quantitative survey, resulting in 85 completed responses from high-level climate and sustainability opinion leaders. To reach this specific group across the UK, US, Belgium, and Canada, we utilized a rigorous multi-stage sourcing process:

  • RONIN Edge: We leveraged our proprietary data platform of pre-vetted, consented past participants, ensuring a high response rate from a trusted and experienced pool.
  • Organic Network Expansion: We used a tailored organic approach. This involved utilizing our specialized digital network and professional platforms to identify and invite new voices in the sustainability sector.

Sample & Coverage

  • NGOs

  • ESG Researchers and Consultants

  • Government Officials

  • Media

Challenges

The primary challenge was ensuring the recruitment of a highly specific and influential audience of opinion leaders across diverse international markets, requiring a precise and verified approach.

Our Approach

Our Approach
Because traditional recruitment often fails to reach the influential figures needed for this research, we focused on a combined strategy that prioritized expertise and individual engagement:

  • Verification: To maintain the integrity of the "Opinion Leader" status, every participant underwent a manual profile verification process. This confirmed that each respondent possessed the specific professional standing required for the study, such as those working in government, NGOs, or ESG research.
  • Niche Audience Specialization: We focused our efforts specifically on reaching the segments of the market that are traditionally hard to access, including government officials and ESG consultants. By focusing on quality over quantity, we ensured the 85 respondents represented the most influential perspectives in the climate space.

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