- Hong Kong Carbon Reduction Campaign
- Global forest carbon research
- Securing water supply in China's heartland
- Taking direct action
- Saving the Freshwater Gharial in the Ganges
- Cleaning up the Ganges
- Untangling our understanding of lianas and climate change
- The Panama Canal Watershed Experiment
- Protecting the Ganges: Interschool Recycling Workshop
- Cooking on natural gas in the Yangtze
- Tackling illegal deforestation
- Johannesburg's Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit Project
- Baicheng wind farm project
Taking direct action
Environmental education is a core component of sustainability. Only by improving awareness and understanding of environmental issues can we hope to address the impact of climate change.
Climate challenge
The challenge is to engage people in all countries, at work and at home, not only to take direct action, but also to inspire others. This requires leadership and education.
For HSBC, addressing climate change also means ensuring that employees understand how financial institutions can support the transition to a low carbon economy and how the bank can manage its own 'carbon footprint' effectively.
Insight and action
Through a groundbreaking programme delivered by Earthwatch, HSBC staff are discovering first-hand how climate change is impacting the world's natural resources and people’s livelihoods and what they can to about it.
HSBC volunteers, known as Climate Champions, work alongside leading scientists in one of fi ve Climate Centres run by Earthwatch in North America, India, China, Brazil and the UK. The Climate Champions discover fi rst-hand how climate change is impacting our natural resources and livelihoods. Using methods developed by the Smithsonian, another member of the HSBC Climate Partnership, the Climate Champions map out research plots, measure trees, collect soil samples and ground level leaf litter, and conduct data transcription and analysis.
The Climate Champions apply the experience and knowledge gained with Earthwatch when they return to work, translating the signifi cant investment in employee engagement into tangible benefits for HSBC.
Outcomes
To date 1,400 staff from 59 countries have been trained as Climate Champions. They have measured over 100,000 trees – equivalent to 40 years' work for one scientist.
On their return to work, Climate Champions have introduced new ways of working that reduce HSBC's environmental footprint. They have designed projects that help to raise broader community awareness of climate change issues, as well as implementing practical mitigation measures such as programmes to reduce electricity consumption, car pooling schemes and paper reduction campaigns.
The programme draws on the skills, experience and talents of HSBC staff, whilst building their expertise and confidence. It translates directly into increased employee engagement and motivation. Almost 80% of Climate Champions say their participation in the programme has made them more strongly committed to HSBC. This is important to the business as employee engagement ultimately drives day-to-day commitment, productivity and performance.
The HSBC Climate Partnership is a long-term environmental programme between HSBC, The Climate Group, Earthwatch Institute, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and WWF. It aims to reduce the impact of climate change on people, forests, freshwater and cities and accelerate the adoption of low-carbon policies.
