New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark on Wednesday urged businesses to treat the government's climate change policy as an opportunity and not a threat.
In one of a series of speeches and events to mark World Environment Day which falls on Thursday, Clark urged businesses to see the positive side of the proposed emission trading scheme (ETS).
In a speech to the World Environment Day Business Symposium in Auckland on Wednesday, Clark noted there had been negative reaction to the ETS from some quarters but there remained support for its use as way to put a price on emissions
The ETS puts a limit on emissions, those who keep within those levels are rewarded with carbon credits or not punished.
Those who exceed the levels are punished by having to purchase carbon credits.
Clark said many steps had been taken to cushion the blow for businesses and they should look to the opportunities from climate changes and the benefits that came from reducing emissions.
"With those incentives come opportunities for business in developing new products, news services, and new production and distribution method," Clark said.
"The business landscape is already changing as astute investors see that being sustainable is an opportunity to profit by doing the right thing," she added.
Clark said for New Zealand to remain competitive as an exporter had to maintain its clean and green reputation.
Environment Minister Trevor Mallard echoed Clark's theme at another forum.
Mallard told a meeting of the Climate Neutral Network -- a United Nations business forum focusing on climate change -- that they should share ideas to get ahead.
"Climate change should not be viewed just as a cost -- it offers economic opportunities and spin-offs for New Zealand as more and more consumers worldwide demand climate friendly goods and services," Mallard said.
Source:Xinhua
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