Austrade’s Chief Economist Tim Harcourt said with solutions to halt the effects of climate change one of the major international public policy issues of our time, Australian businesses can play a part in cutting emissions internationally.

“Many Australian businesses have already acknowledged it’s not just up to individuals to make changes to limit damage to the environment; they can also help by providing environmental solutions,” Harcourt says.

“Already Australia has helped countries by developing clean coal technology and through exporting environmental technology to developing nations in Asia.”

According to Harcourt, globally renowned environmentalist Nicholas Stern – appointed by the British Government to head an inquiry into the economics of climate change – has featured Australia strongly in his ’Stern Report’.

“Stern is optimistic about the capacity of richer countries like Australia to help poorer countries with environmental technology, innovation and trade in emission rights,” he says.

“The Stern report examines the science of climate change and closely looks at the economics of the problem.

“Stern argues climate change is solvable through appropriate actions using economic mechanisms.

“Furthermore, if action is not taken and a ’business as usual’ response is taken in the face of climate change; the report confirms things could get a lot worse.”

Harcourt says with plans for every Australian to cut emissions by using more energy saving light bulbs and many of us implementing measures to decrease our own carbon emissions, these moves are emulated by Australian businesses from all over the country that are already doing their bit for the environment here and overseas.

“For example, Woodhead, a Sydney-based architecture firm, has changed its operations to become carbon neutral, not only in design, but in its own operations. Woodhead plans to reduce its emissions by 10-15 per cent within three to five years, and is creating designs that will have similar effects for clients – particularly in China and India,” he says.

“Another Australian invention, the EcoSmart Fire, developed by Sydney-based The Fire Company can keep people warm without producing pollution causing emissions.

“Whereas, Victoria-based Novatech Controls Pty Ltd exports oxygen analysers to countries including China and used by energy intensive industries such as for power plants to assist in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and provide fuel savings while conserving energy.

“Victorian business Earth Systems provides environmental consulting services to assist the water, waste and mining sectors, they have commercialised and now export water treatment technology,” Harcourt says.

“WA exporter Cell Aquaculture has created international interest in their Eco-Cell technology. The Fremantle-based aquaculture technology company’s Eco-Cell invention took enables a fish breeder to add water and electricity to produce fresh seafood anywhere. There is no use of chemicals, antibiotics or genetic modification.

“Then there’s the development of ’best-practice’ irrigation technology that avoids water wastage, resulting in enhanced plant and business growth for South Australian-based Micromet. Its product responds to moisture requirements, and if it rains, switches irrigation off,” he says.

Harcourt says Australian exporters can and are playing an important part in finding solutions to one of the major international public policy issues of our time.

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