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Climate Confidence Monitor 2008
The Climate Confidence Monitor is HSBC's second international survey of consumer attitudes on climate change. Some 12,000 people were surveyed in 12 countries and territories in which HSBC operates: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Mexico, UK and the US.
The research - which was commissioned by the HSBC Climate Partnership reveals that Hong Kong consumers rank climate change as a top priority in their lives, second only to global economic stability.
- 23 % of Hong Kong respondents rated climate change as their key concern versus 29 % ranking global economic stability as a key concern.
- When compared with other participating economies, Hong Kong respondents came out second to rank climate change as a key concern, ahead of other economies including Australia, mainland China and the United States.
- 43 % of those polled in Hong Kong want the government to take the leading role on tackling climate change, with only 29 % believing it is currently doing so.
- The economic situation has not dampened enthusiasm for government action towards climate change.
- 43 % of people chose climate change ahead of the global economy when asked about their current concerns, despite the turmoil in the financial markets taking place at the time.
- In a clear call for resolution to the debate on emission targets, 77 % of people surveyed worldwide want to see their government cutting carbon emissions by their national 'fair share' or more to allow less developed economies to grow.
- Twice as many people say that governments should invest in renewable energy (55 per cent) than participate in international negotiations on climate change (27 per cent).
- HSBC has commissioned the research to better understand the attitudes of consumers towards climate change including the actions individuals are prepared to take in reducing their carbon footprint.
- The research will also help inform how we can work with governments and the business community to provide financial solutions to support them.
- The Monitor measures and tracks consumer attitudes on climate change issues. Specifically, it measures levels of concern, confidence, commitment, and optimism.
- The HSBC Climate Partnership is a five-year partnership from 2007-2011 between HSBC and The Climate Group, Earthwatch Institute, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and WWF.
- Aim to tackle the urgent threat of climate change by inspiring actions by individuals, businesses and governments worldwide.
- Working with these partners, and engaging its 330,000 employees, HSBC hopes to tackle climate change impacts for people, forests, water and cities.
Community Investment projects
The 2008 research results show the priority Hong Kong people place on climate change, despite the turbulent backdrop of the financial turmoil. They also clearly show that Hong Kong people want the general public, companies and the government to do more to tackle climate change.
Teresa Au
Head of Corporate Sustainability
Asia Pacific Region
