Climate Change and Opportunities!
To my mind there is no doubt that New Zealand is taking the issue of climate change seriously. Government says that Climate Change is a reality which could have significant impacts on our economy, environment and the way we live. We have all noticed the effects of a warming planet in our changing climate patterns.
Whilst not wanting to enter the climate change debate I can see that the country is taking proactive steps to counter the effect of the impact that we have on the planets environment. More increasingly international companies are asking what steps businesses and exporters are taking in eradicating Carbon Footprints and reducing the use of limited resources.
The Ministry for the Environment has released reports that predict increasing temperatures, rising sea-levels and more extreme weather events. As ninety percent of New Zealand's population lies within 50km of our coast making us vulnerable to climate change, our coastal areas, roads, cities, towns, waterways and farms are all likely to be affected. We need to take action so we can be more resilient in our current climate and less susceptible to the future climate.
Despite measures we take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions now, the levels of carbon dioxide already in the atmosphere are expected to continue to affect and change the climate over our and our children's lifetimes. This means that as well as working to reduce emissions, we need to prepare for climate change and adapt to its impacts. It is important that both kinds of actions are taken. The risks of inaction will be far more costly to us than the cost of any action.
Everybody has a role to play in addressing climate change, whether it is the government, businesses, communities or individuals. If you have already made your home more energy efficient, why not think about getting your workplace or community involved?
At work, improving the management of waste or introducing a policy of turning off lights and computers at night can make a big difference to the environment and to overheads. Businesses need to be thinking about sustainability. This does not mean suppressing business innovation, or reining in economic growth. Businesses need to consider using sustainable practices and looking for new ways of doing business that improve economic, environmental and social performance e.g. look for the business opportunities in using natural resources efficiently.
While the adverse impacts of climate change are evident, there may also be opportunities arising from a changing climate, for example, the growth of different crops and the development of new ways to produce renewable energy. In addition, effective planning can bring about benefits such as improved water quality and better management of scarce resources. Taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will also bring other benefits. For example, improved energy efficiency means lower power bills, insulated houses lead to warmer homes and less winter-related illnesses, and regularly-tuned cars improve air quality and health.
Forward planning is more effective and less costly than reacting to crises when they occur. It is like taking out an insurance policy for our future.
The Northland Chamber of Commerce is the networking, education, advocacy and marketing group for Northland business, and is part of a nationwide network of 30 and a world-wide movement of 21,000 chambers. Subscription to the free fortnightly chamber e-news can be arranged on info@northchamber.co.nz. Enquiries to 09-4384771 or www.northchamber.co.nz, www.kaiparachamber.co.nz and www.farnorthchamber.co.nz
You can have a say on this by going to the Northland Chamber of Commerce Feedback website on www.northchamber.blogspot.com
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