Climate Confidence Monitor 2010

Climate change is a top concern globally, but the worry is even more acute in developing countries, which are also more optimistic that it can be prevented, according to the latest Climate Confidence Monitor from HSBC.

The fourth annual survey of 15,000 people from 15 countries revealed that most believe the business community must take a larger role in addressing climate change. Those from emerging markets also perceived climate investment to be a path to prosperity and job creation, a view met with less optimism by those in developed countries.

“Emerging markets are likely to see the largest share of investment in low-carbon innovation — possibly as much as 70 percent of the total,” Lord Nicholas Stern, special advisor to HSBC’s Group Chairman on Economic Development and Climate Change, wrote in the report. “The ‘green race’ has begin; and it will be innovative, creative, and productive.”