Senior HSBC executive has resigned after he accused officials and central bankers of exaggerating climate change's financial risks.
Stuart Kirk, the bank’s global head for responsible investing, was reportedly suspended after he stated in a speech that "There's always some nuts telling me about the end.
On Thursday, he stated that his comments made his position "unsustainable."
He wrote in a LinkedIn post that "a cancel culture destroys wealth, and progress."
The role of Mr Kirk, a London-based executive, was to consider the effects of investments on governance, environmental, and social issues.
He stated that he had "only tried to do my best for clients and readers" over a 27-year record of financial, journalism, and consulting.
He said, "Ironically, given my job title," that the bank's behavior towards me since I spoke at the Financial Times conference in May had made my position, well unsustainable." "Funny old World."
After Kirk's presentation entitled "Why investors shouldn't worry about climate risk" at a conference, HSBC was forced to investigate.
He made light of the dangers of major floods in the address and stated that he needed to spend his time "looking towards something that's going be happening in 20 or 30 year".
Kirk stated that climate change was not a financial threat during the 15-minute speech.
A slide was shown as part of the presentation. It said that "unsubstantiated,shrill, partisan and self-serving, prophecytic warnings are always false."
He said later in the presentation: "Who cares whether Miami is six meters underwater in 100 years?" Amsterdam has been six meters underwater for many years, and that's a beautiful place.
On Thursday, Mr Kirk stated that it was hard to invest and that saving the planet is equally difficult.
"Opinions about both are different. Humanity has the best chance for success if it is open and honest. Companies must be open and honest about diversity and speak up if they are to succeed. He said that a cancel culture can destroy wealth and progress."
"Vintility signalling is not allowed in finance."
Kirk also stated that he was assembling a "crack team of like-minded individuals" in order to bring "what is undoubtedly the greatest sustainable investment idea ever created".
He said, "I will continue prodding with a sharp stick to the nonsense, hypocrisy and group-think within the mainstream bubble of sustainability finance."
When contacted by BBC, HSBC declined comment.
Noel Quinn, the bank's chief executive group, stated that he disagreed with Mr Kirk's remarks and said that they were inconsistent with HSBC strategy. He also added, "They do not reflect the views or senior leadership of HSBC Asset Management."
