The world's local bank
Business and government join forces over climate change
08 June 2005
A group of 13 businesses, including HSBC, has pledged its support for Tony Blair’s plans for a low-carbon future in the UK.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, the Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change has promised to work with the Government to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the UK by 60 per cent by 2050. The letter also describes the challenges facing businesses in their efforts to develop carbon-efficient policies, and highlights the need for governments and businesses to work together to develop new technologies and embed new policies.
HSBC is a founder member of the Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change, formed earlier this year after the British Government asked businesses to mark the UK’s Presidencies of the G8 and EU in 2005 by taking positive action on climate change.
In recent years, the world’s second largest bank has launched a series of initiatives designed to reduce the social and environmental impact of its operations. In December 2004, it became the world’s first major high street bank to commit to going carbon neutral while last month, it launched its second project finance guideline in a bid to ensure that its lending activities are consistent with its global commitment to the environment.
Media enquiries to pressoffice@hsbc.com.
Related links
HSBC launches climate change partnership
Downloads
Letter to Prime Minister
(5 page pdf 152K)
Links to web sites
Useful tools
Increase font
Decrease font