Oct. 19, 2007 Deutsche Bank has identified climate change as a market force to be reckoned with, calling the shift away from a carbon-based economy "a megatrend that will shape the asset management industry for many years."

Speaking at the release the firm's new white paper on climate investment, Deutsche Bank strategist Mark Fuller said governments are creating new carbon markets that will encourage the development of viable technologies for addressing climate change.

"Companies and investors are quickly realizing that climate change is not merely a social, political, or moral issue, but an economic and business issue as well. This is translating into a wave of investment and innovation," he said.

"Investing in Climate Change An Asset Management Perspective" highlights investor choices in carbon trading, forestry, infrastructure, clean and renewable technologies, agribusiness, and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategies, among other opportunities.

"We expect return opportunities in sectors like renewable energy, water, and agribusiness will justify dedicated strategies, and we believe climate change will be an important consideration for investment decisions," said Fuller.

Deutsche Bank says its climate investment products already have $6 billion in assets under management.