Trust is down. Expectations are up. And like never before, the world’s consumers are turning to brands to address the social and environmental challenges that affect their aspirations for a better life in divided times.

According to a new global study by BBMG and GlobeScan, Brand Purpose in Divided Times, net trust in global companies to act in the best interest of society is negative (-2). And for the first time since 2009, more consumers say they have punished companies for their behavior (28%) rather than rewarded them (26%), and the number of those who are punishing brands is up by 9 percentage points since 2013.

It’s a classic chicken-and-egg scenario: buy an EV once there is a lot of charging infrastructure and build EV charging infrastructure once there are a lot of EVs. General Motors, a company who believes the future is electric, is helping to jumpstart the opportunity through its Maven brand.

For companies such as Domtar and Kimberly-Clark, consumers are crucial to mainstreaming sustainable practices. That is the reason both corporations are working to give shoppers better options, including FSC-certified products. FSC certification helps ensure that forests used to source a host of products are managed in a way that takes into account environmental, social and economic concerns.

Facing inevitable attacks to their networks by hackers, electric utilities are making progress in prioritizing cybersecurity to ensure that they can deliver and maintain safe, secure utilities for all. However, this year’s Strategic Directions: Electric Industry Report shows even as leaders work to ensure grid security, major gaps remain in the areas of asset security control and security risk awareness.

Raising awareness for LGBT challenges while promoting inclusion and acceptance around the world, Viacom International Media Networks today announced its celebration of the act of “coming out” with “Out in 60,” a global campaign timed to Coming Out Day, a worldwide, annual holiday observed on October 11. With more than 50 international stars participating – from musicians and comedians to athletes and influencers -- all sharing emotional and inspiring coming out stories, the campaign will feature 60-second spots airing on linear, digital and social around the world and across channels including MTV, VH1, Logo, BET, Channel 5, and Comedy Central.

SCS Global Services (SCS) has certified Gostwyck Partners' sheep farm under the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), verifying its sustainable sheep-raising and land stewardship practices in its historic farm in Gostwyck, NSW, Australia.

eBay for Charity has teamed up with fashion and accessory brand PINTRILL and “Black-ish” star Yara Shahidi for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The ATHENA Awards Program of Greater Pittsburgh recognizes exceptional women who demonstrate excellence in their profession, contribute to their community and help other women succeed through mentorship. At their October 2 awards luncheon, the 2017 ATHENA Young Professional Award was presented to Andréa Stanford, digital experience product manager at PNC Bank. This award recognizes a leader age 35 or younger who dedicates her time and talent to help other women and girls to thrive.

Today, Cox Enterprises released the results of the national Cox Conserves Sustainability Survey, which identified that small and medium-sized business (SMBs) owners are cautiously optimistic about sustainability in the United States. The survey, commissioned by Cox Enterprises, is a national study that examines SMB owners’ insights on sustainability.