The carbon risk, and market opportunity

Overriding the global discussions of economic stimulus packages, and the regressive steps towards boosting governments role in society through misunderstood and misguided Keynesian economics, there is an even bigger challenge facing civilisation. That of course is Climate Change.

I have just watched an excellent overview of a report 'Investing in Climate Change 2009 - Necessity and Opportunity in Turbulent Times' by Deutsche Bank, regarding the investment opportunity presented through the current economic recession.

The video summary is found at; http://www.dbadvisors.com/deam/dyn/globalResearch/1113_index.jsp#

PDF of the full report

The quote that stood out for me was; 'The single biggest risk over the next two years is if people back off the story of climate change over the next 2yrs in the face of an economic recession. The silver lining is the Necessity and Opportunity that present themselves' - Mark Fulton, Global Head of Climate Change Investment Research.

For me, the climate change Necessity delivers the market based Opportunity which can most effectively complement some of the inevitable stimuli that governments should address. The real, and sustainable opportunity for government is to set the economic environment where individuals, and businesses, can address the opportunity.

Somehow fiscal stimuli through tax cuts to individuals and business in the areas highlighted in this report represents a more inclusive, societal solution, rather than headline spending, and additional contributions to western nations giddying debt levels.

To underline this point, this letter by some eminent UK economists may be of interest to the whole stimuli package debate; 'Keynesian over-spending won't rescue the economy' letter to The Telegraph (Oct08) 

At least this analysis by Deutsche Bank strikes a more optimistic tone.

Shane