DEADLY: Experts warn climate change could choke business Climate change is set to become the biggest killer of business aft

Recent scientific evidence released by the Australian Government Department of Environment and Heritage illustrates the devastating impact climate change will have on business management and operations.

In a response to the issue, the Department of Climate Change has issued a guide, Climate Change Impacts & Risk Management - A Guide for Business and Government, aimed at helping Australian businesses and organisations adapt to climate change.

It is consistent with the Australian and New Zealand Standard for Risk Management, AS/NZS 4360:2004, and describes how the routine application of the Standard can be extended to include the risks generated by climate change impacts.

According to Management Effect managing director Brad Wells, the importance of starting to prepare risk strategies to combat the worst effects of climate change on business operations has been exacerbated by current financial market conditions.

He believes organisations need to quickly understand the issue, and position themselves, to ensure their survival. At the very least, given the complexity of information, processes and legislative change, any business which takes action now is likely to gain a significant competitive advantage.

"Businesses need to respond to climate change threats and also to opportunities," Wells said.

"It is important to embrace new technologies not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but to gain competitive advantage in the market. With increased stakeholder, media and community attention, preparing a business for the significant changes ahead will be critical to its sustainability."

- Mark Phillips