HSBC report urges world leaders to tackle climate change

Whether you’re a high school student, a working mother or a retired pensioner, billions of ordinary people around the world are holding their breath ahead of the upcoming UN climate change summit, where it’s hoped world leaders will take big steps towards a zero-waste, zero-carbon future.

Officials from nearly 200 countries will be meeting in Copenhagen in the hope of completing a new treaty to follow the Kyoto protocol, which expires in 2012.

Now a new survey of attitudes around the globe has shown the majority of inhabitants in emerging markets and third world countries feel a new climate deal is extremely important to their future. Many emerging economies are already feeling the impacts of climate change, and people in Mexico, China and India are clear in their call for a commitment to reduction targets.

The third annual Climate Confidence Monitor commissioned by the HSBC Climate Partnership reveals a global consensus on emission reduction targets. Almost four in five people (79%) want to see a commitment to ‘meet or significantly exceed’ a 50-80 per cent cut in emissions by 2050, led by Mexico (91%), China (82%) and Hong Kong (84%), all well ahead of the UK (71%) and the US (66%).

It also reveals that seven in ten people are keen for their governments to tackle climate change with as much enthusiasm – and investment - as they’re putting into rebuilding the economy.

For more information visit hsbc.com.