LOS ANGELES, CA – July 24, 2025: Despite an increasingly polarized political climate, US businesses are quietly strengthening their commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, even as many admit to saying less publicly about their progress.
A new study from Clarity Global – Responsible Business Outlook for Communicators – reveals a paradox at the heart of the American ESG landscape: strong internal ambition and action, coupled with marked caution and restraint in public communication – a phenomenon described as the “silence gap”.
The YouGov survey, which polled over 1,000 C-suite executives and directors from organizations with 50 or more employees across the US, UK, Australia, and the Netherlands, reveals how American organizations are navigating the complexities of ESG – striving for transparency and trust while managing the risks of political and legal backlash.
Key US Findings Include:
- High Commitment, Low Visibility: 87% of US executives rank responsible business as a top priority, and 52% see ESG as a driver of long-term value – the highest globally. However, only 39% have increased their ESG communications in the past 18 months, the lowest rate among all surveyed markets. In contrast, the UK (57%) and Australia (64%) are far more vocal about their progress.
- The Silence Gap: Nearly a third (31%) of US business leaders cite “greenhushing” as a top concern, compared to lower rates in other regions. This strategic silence is not a sign of inaction, but a calculated response to political and regulatory headwinds, notably the patchwork of state-level anti-ESG legislation and ongoing uncertainty around federal climate disclosure rules.
- The Business Case: US organizations are increasingly reframing ESG in business-centric terms. 26% now focus their messaging on financial benefits, risk mitigation, and ROI – a trend that, while below the Netherlands’ 47%, reflects a “stealth ESG” strategy: advancing sustainability for its inherent business value, even if under the radar.
- Internal Alignment and Resource Constraints: Just 65% of US communicators report close alignment with senior leadership on ESG, lagging behind the Netherlands (82%) and UK (74%). Budget limitations remain a challenge, cited by 39% of US respondents.
“Across the US, many boardrooms are buzzing with ESG ambition, even as many companies deliberately choose to keep their progress out of the spotlight. There’s a quiet confidence – and caution – in how leaders are advancing responsible business. Our latest report reveals that those willing to step up and communicate with transparency and creativity can transform this ‘silence gap’ into a competitive advantage, earning trust and setting themselves apart in a skeptical market,” said Jason Wakeford, Partner, US, Clarity Global. “Now is the time for US businesses to move from hushed progress to heard impact, by turning data into stories that inspire action and loyalty.”
The Responsible Business Outlook for Communicators can be downloaded here.
About the survey
The “Responsible Business Outlook for Communicators” surveyed over 1,000 C-suite executives and directors from organizations with 50 or more employees across the US, UK, Australia, and the Netherlands.
About Clarity Global:
Clarity is a global digital marketing and communications agency known for its strategic approach to enhancing reputations and driving growth for visionary companies.