HSBC launches international survey of public attitudes towards climate change

HSBC’s first international survey of public attitudes towards climate change highlights a surprising spectrum of opinions across the world. Climate change may be a global issue, but reactions to it vary strongly.

The HSBC Climate Confidence Index shows that people in developing economies exhibit the greatest concern, commitment and optimism towards the problem of climate change and in developed economies the greatest indifference, reluctance and fatalism.

Overall, the survey reveals that citizens of China and India are most optimistic that the problem of climate change can be overcome, while those in France, Germany and the UK are least optimistic that a solution will be found.

The research, based on a sample of 9,000 people in nine countries and across four continents, also demonstrates that:

• Climate change is having a significant impact on public opinion in the developing countries surveyed. Around 60 percent of respondents registered a high level of concern in China, India, Mexico and Brazil, compared with only 22% in the UK and 26% in Germany; and
• People’s assessment of their commitment to tackling climate is higher in developing economies. Around 47% of people indicated high levels of personal commitment to combating climate change in India and Brazil, compared with only 19% in the UK.

“The HSBC Climate Confidence Index is an important barometer of international public attitudes towards climate change. Over time we believe it will enable us to better understand the actions individuals are prepared to take in reducing their carbon footprint and how we can work with governments and the business community to provide financial solutions to support them,” stated Jon Williams, head of group sustainable development, HSBC Holdings plc.

The index also highlights the emergence of so-called ‘green rejection’ in the developed world – a rejection that climate change is a problem, of solutions to it and of the institutions proposing them. Green rejection is strongest in the UK and Germany, where respondents were among the least engaged and optimistic about the challenge. In the United States, respondents were by far the most confident and optimistic of all the developed economies surveyed.

The launch of the HSBC Climate Confidence Index is part of HSBC’s broader strategy to contribute to tackling climate change.