Mapping public engagement with environmental finance in the U.S: Spatiotemporal insights from google trends on public engagement and policy equity in the U.S

This study analyzes U.S. public engagement with environmental finance from 2015–2023 using Google Trends data for four key terms: “green bonds,” “sustainable finance,” “climate finance,” and “ESG.” Our analysis reveals a notable rise in engagement with environmental finance topics, with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing generating the highest levels of interest. Geographically, the District of Columbia exhibited disproportionate search activity relative to other regions. While public awareness of environmental finance has grown, we highlight disparities in knowledge and accessibility of information. These findings carry significant policy implications, particularly in ensuring equitable access to sustainable financial instruments. We underscore the need for environmental justice considerations in sustainable finance policy design to ensure benefits are distributed to those disproportionately affected by environmental degradation, highlighting the potential role of big data in informing these processes.