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Epson research highlights significant gap between perceptions of climate change and severity of the emergency

Individually, people are taking their own actions to mitigate the climate emergency. The study suggests that more people are walking or cycling more often (63.8%), reducing plastic use (67.5%) and improving recycling habits (57.3%).

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The Southeast Asia (SEA) region is facing a potentially damaging gap between climate reality and people’s understanding of its catastrophic effects, according to the results of its Climate Reality Barometer from global technology leader, Epson. The survey captures global experiences and perceptions of climate change from 15,264 consumers across Asia, Europe, North America and South America.

Timed to help frame discussions at the upcoming COP 26 in November 2021, the goal of the Epson Climate Reality Barometer is to raise greater public awareness of climate change impacts, influence transformative business decisions, and better inform policy makers.

Reality Deficit: The Gap Between Perception and Climate Reality

The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report noted that cities intensify human-caused warming locally, and further urbanisation together with more frequent hot extremes will increase the severity of heatwaves. Despite this, well over half (56.4%) of people surveyed as part of the Epson Climate Reality Barometer in Southeast Asia, are optimistic that we will avert a climate disaster in their lifetime.

For those who are optimistic, the most popular reasons supporting this optimism is the belief that people are more aware of climate change dangers (35.8%) and the opportunity to use science and technology to solve problems (29.2%). 

On the other hand, just 15.7% were pessimistic that they will avert a climate disaster in their lifetime. Overall, the majority of those who are pessimistic are driven mostly by a belief that people are not aware of climate change dangers (41.4%) or a feeling that there’s a lack of government action (22.4%). 

Reality check: Where we are today

The study suggests that optimism may be the result of a failure to recognise climate change and, therefore, its scale. In Southeast Asia, some of the top events most associated with climate change include more flooding (80.4%), wildfires (79.7%) and higher temperatures (79.2%), extreme weather (77.5%), and rising sea levels (73.1%). At the same time, the least associated with climate change are insect outbreaks (49.2%), thawing permafrost (53.4%), mass migration (60.5%) and more deaths in cities because of heat waves (64%). 

Siew Jin Kiat, Regional Managing Director of Epson Singapore (SEA Headquarters), said: “As the climate emergency unfolds before our eyes, it is of real concern that so many people in our region fail to recognise its existence. This is a wake-up call for us to act together and act fast. The pressure is on for governments, businesses and individuals to work together to make decisions and inspire the rapid action needed to mitigate climate change.” 

Reality responsibility: Who should take actions

Many see the responsibility to tackle the climate emergency belonging to state and industry actors. Of those surveyed, nearly a third in Southeast Asia (32%) believe governments and 14.7% believe businesses are “most responsible for tackling the climate emergency” – with 2.8% not believing in climate emergency.

That said, there is evidence that the idea of personal and collective responsibility is widely held too. Encouragingly, respondents in Southeast Asia (27.5%) see that they are personally “most responsible”, while almost one in five (19%) believe that we are all responsible – with action incumbent on governments, businesses and individuals alike.

Reality action: Individual steps

Individually, people are taking their own actions to mitigate the climate emergency. The study suggests that more people are walking or cycling more often (63.8%), reducing plastic use (67.5%) and improving recycling habits (57.3%).

Despite this, there are still gaps in terms of what people are willing to do, which will be important in reaching net zero targets at a global and national level. While there is openness in Southeast Asia to adopt new behaviors like switching to an electric vehicle, installing solar panels and switching to renewable energy; reducing international travel for business and leisure and adopting a plant-based diet are some behaviors that respondents indicated more resistance towards. 

Business reality: The time to act is now

All in all, the Epson Climate Reality Barometer and its discovery of the Climate Reality Deficit shows that there is a long way to go if we are to take the fundamental actions necessary to avert irreversible climate change. Greater understanding and collective endeavour, however, will enable and empower rapid action.

Companies can empower other businesses and consumers with sustainability supporting innovations. At Epson, this has seen the development of, for example: initiatives to reduce customer impact through the use of highly energy efficient PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology; and R&D into environmental technologies such as naturally derived (non-plastic) materials.

Beyond product and materials innovation, businesses can make a big difference by promoting and demonstrating climate responsibility. Epson carries this forward by: transitioning to 100% renewable electricity and engaging with initiatives such as the RE100 renewable energy project; working to close the resource loop for example, by promoting product refurbishment and reuse; and engaging in high impact partnerships such as its work with National Geographic to promote protecting permafrost through the Turn Down The Heat campaign.

Yasunori Ogawa, global president of Epson, commented: “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 — by our company, other businesses and consumers — to action transformational change. Sustainability is central to our business plan and backed by significant resources — because while we know there is a long way to go, we believe we can build a better future.”

Ethical Biz

FedEx Cares helps 2,400 Filipino students start the school year healthier

This initiative is part of FedEx Cares, the company’s global community engagement program, and aims to improve the health and well-being of Filipino students ahead of the upcoming school year.

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Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, collaborated with international non-profit Feed the Children to address health challenges by donating hygiene kits to 2,400 grade school children from fishing and farming communities in Bohol and Zamboanga del Norte.

This initiative is part of FedEx Cares, the company’s global community engagement program, and aims to improve the health and well-being of Filipino students ahead of the upcoming school year. A total of 14 FedEx employees supported the effort by assembling and delivering the kits, which include soap, shampoo, face towels, toothbrush and toothpaste – helping children maintain proper hygiene and stay focused on their education.\

Beyond providing essential supplies, the program promotes lasting behavior change through school-based orientation sessions in 11 schools, encouraging consistent, daily hygiene practices among students. Studies show that handwashing with soap can reduce diarrheal diseases by up to 30% and acute respiratory infections by up to 20%, underscoring the importance of early education and access to basic hygiene tools. Oral health remains a growing concern, with the Philippine Dental Association reporting that 72% of Filipinos suffer from tooth decay, with school-aged children among the most affected, making it a leading cause of school absenteeism.

“At FedEx, we believe that access to basic hygiene is fundamental to a child’s ability to learn and thrive. Through this initiative, we are not only delivering essential supplies but also fostering healthier routines and stronger foundations for learning,” said Maribeth Espinosa, managing director, FedEx Philippines. “By providing hygiene kits and health education, we aim to create a lasting impact and empower Filipino children to stay in school and reach their full potential.”

Since 2023, FedEx has worked with Feed the Children to deliver resources that support the needs of more than 5,000 children across the Philippines.

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AXA Philippines mobilizes over 2,000 employees nationwide to support communities through volunteerism

This year’s celebration underscored the company’s belief that they can achieve more meaningful change when they work as one, while marking a shift toward long-term partnerships that empower communities to grow sustainably.

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AXA Philippines, one of the largest and fastest-growing insurance companies in the country, reaffirmed its commitment to create lasting social impact through AXA Week for Good (AWFG) 2026, bringing together over 2,000 employees nationwide under the theme “AXA on a Mission: Together We Move Forward.”

This year’s celebration underscored the company’s belief that they can achieve more meaningful change when they work as one, while marking a shift toward long-term partnerships that empower communities to grow sustainably.

“When our employees come together, the impact multiplies. This year, we’re investing more into partnerships that can help communities thrive in the long run. We wanted volunteerism to go beyond participation and become part of a sustained journey with our partners through livelihood initiatives, skills sharing, and learning and sustainability programs,” said Sharon Hernandez, Chief Human Resources Officer of AXA Philippines.

From Volunteerism to Sustainable Community Development

A key milestone of this year’s AWFG is the continued development of the Medinilla Café, a livelihood project in Siniloan, Laguna that grew from AXA’s tree-planting and forest restoration efforts last year in collaboration with Fostering Education and Environment for Development Inc. (FEED). Through the first-ever “Declutter for a Purpose” initiative, AXA employees raised cash donations by selling preloved items to help sustain the café’s operations and create livelihood opportunities for local residents. The unsold goods will be donated to partner communities to extend the initiative’s impact and minimize waste.

Building on the success of AXA Forest, the company is also expanding support to community gardens in partnership with Project PEARLS, a non-profit organization with a mission to help the poorest of the poor children have a better life by giving them PEARLS: Peace, Education, Aspiration, Respect, Love and Smiles through education, empowerment, nutrition, nourishment, and healthcare. The partnership aims to help improve food security and create potential income sources for families.

Learning That Inspires Action

Throughout the week, employees also deepened their understanding of social and environmental challenges through the “Impact for Action Podcast Series,” featuring experts and nonprofit partners who shared practical insights on literacy, sustainability, disaster preparedness, workplace safety, circular economy practices, and environmental stewardship.

Partner organizations included BINHI English Literacy Foundation, FEED Inc., Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST), Humble Sustainability, Upstyle, The Soilmate Collective Inc., and AXA Foundation. The series also highlighted volunteer opportunities that extend beyond AWFG, encouraging year-round engagement.

Employees Turning Everyday Actions into Lasting Impact

Additionally,  employees participated in a range of hands-on activities over the course of the week.  An “e-Waste Collection Drive” promoted responsible disposal by collecting used electronic devices for refurbishment or recycling, with proceeds benefiting Project PEARLS.

Meanwhile, remote volunteers contributed through “Learning Buddies,” creating reading activity sheets for young learners, and “Love in Every Bite,” sharing nutritious, budget-friendly recipes with partner communities.

AXA Week for Good is the flagship annual celebration of AXA Hearts in Action, the company’s global employee volunteering program. With a focus on community partnerships, this year’s AXA Week for Good continues to show the impact of collective action, through volunteerism, skills sharing, and supporting livelihood initiatives, reflecting the company’s commitment to helping protect what matters and build more resilient communities.

For more information about AXA Philippines and its community initiatives, visit www.axa.com.ph

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Canon Marketing Philippines leads Brigada Eskwela to help prepare Lagro High School for new school year

Beyond the physical improvements, the initiative reflected the collaboration and community spirit that Brigada Eskwela represents each year.

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Canon Marketing Philippines recently led faculty, students, and employee volunteers at Lagro High School for this year’s Brigada Eskwela, helping prepare classrooms ahead of the opening of classes.

The activity brought together Canon employees and the school’s student council to repaint and refresh classrooms, creating a more welcoming environment for returning students. Beyond the physical improvements, the initiative reflected the collaboration and community spirit that Brigada Eskwela represents each year.

Volunteers worked side by side through a morning of paint-streaked shirts, teamwork, and meaningful conversations, all toward a common goal: classrooms where students feel motivated to learn and grow.

Canon Marketing Philippines also donated printers to support the school’s teaching and administrative needs, reinforcing the company’s commitment to empowering educators and students through technology.

“Our participation in Brigada Eskwela reflects Canon’s Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good,” said Anuj Aggarwal, President and CEO of Canon Marketing Philippines. “We believe education plays a vital role in shaping communities, and through simple but meaningful initiatives like this, we hope to help create better learning environments for students and teachers alike. Kyosei is most meaningful when experienced through collective action and genuine care for others.”

Through initiatives like Brigada Eskwela, Canon Marketing Philippines continues to strengthen its corporate social responsibility commitment by supporting communities and contributing to spaces where people can learn, connect, and thrive.

Canon is a multibillion-dollar company with one of the most extensive product lines of digital imaging devices. 2020 marks the company’s 35th consecutive year it has been ranked among the top five U.S. patent holders and the 16th consecutive year it has been ranked first among Japanese companies for the number of U.S. patents granted. It continues to enrich lives through technological innovation.   

Guided by its commitment to its Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good, Canon provides total imaging solutions to improve personal and professional lives. The brand ranks as one of the top 20 brands in the region according to a 2018 study conducted by Campaign Asia-Pacific and Nielsen thanks to its strong reputation on performance and good corporate citizenship.   

Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. has offices spread across the Philippine archipelago supported by its vast network of authorized service centers. Recognitions and awards received include the Corporate Award and Gold Bagwis Seal of Excellence for providing distinctive service to customers.    

Canon Marketing Philippines reaffirms its dedication to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices across all its operations and product lifecycle, striving for a greener future for generations to come.    

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