Storm over banker’s tirade against climate change: HSBC faces calls to fire financier over speech saying “who cares if Miami is underwater” and “crazy people always warn of the end of the world”
- A top HSBC banker has started talking about how climate change is affecting finances
- Stuart Kirk comments that “crazy people always warn of the end of the world”
- The head of responsible investment added “who cares if Miami is under water”
- Bank chief Nicholas Moreau said Kirk’s views “do not reflect HSBC’s views”
By Chris Matthews for Mailonline
Posted: 18:24, 20 May 2022 | Updated: 19:20, 20 May 2022
A big bank is facing calls to fire one of its best financiers over a climate change tirade he made, saying “who cares if Miami is underwater” and “crazy people always warn of the end of the world.”
Stuart Kirk, global head of responsible investment at HSBC Asset Management, spoke at a conference on climate change at a conference this week.
HSBC, one of the world’s largest banks, was forced to condemn his comments at a conference on Thursday during a talk on Why Investors Shouldn’t Worry About Climate Risk.
Mr Kirk said: “I feel a little out of control, a constant reminder that we are doomed.
Stuart Kirk is the global head of responsible investment in HSBC Asset Management. He said “crazy people” always predict “the end of the world”.
He added: “Who cares if Miami is six meters underwater in 100 years? Amsterdam has been six meters underwater for centuries and it’s a really nice place. On the photo: Beach in front, Miami (File image)
“Someone crazy always tells me about the end of the world.
“What worries me about this is the amount of work these people make me do, the amount of regulation that comes down the line.”
He added: “Human beings have been fantastic at adapting to change, adapting to climate emergencies, and we will continue to do so.
“Who cares if Miami is six meters underwater in 100 years?” Amsterdam has been six meters underwater for centuries and it’s a really nice place.
Mr. Kirk has been a banker for nearly 30 years. He condemned how many climate change regulations do more work for him
He said: “Human beings have been fantastic at adapting to change, adapting to climate emergencies, and we will continue to do so.”
“I have no doubt about science, but we have to adapt.”
While HSBC declined to say whether Kirk was at risk of losing his job because of the comments, Nicolas Moreau, the bank’s asset manager, said Kirk’s views “do not reflect the views of HSBC Asset Management or HSBC Group in any way.”
He added: “HSBC sees climate change as one of the most serious emergencies facing the planet and is committed to supporting its customers in their transition to a net zero and a sustainable future.”
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