Climate Change without a CPRS

Jul 5, 2010

Principal Environmental Scientist for Golder Associates in Adelaide, Alex Blood, gives her insights into how local government, business and technical specialists will lead the way through climate change without a CPRS.

Despite the stalled Australian carbon pollution reduction scheme (CPRS), local governments, community groups, insurers and businesses are increasingly looking for tangible and demonstrable ways to redress climate change risks and reduce carbon emissions. Leading groups are not debating whether climate change is a scientific fact but focussing on the multi-faceted challenges climate change poses for communities, business and government. In 2010 business groups, such as the US security exchange commission, have been seen considering how climate change risk should be disclosed to shareholders rather than waiting for national direction.

Carbon trading is only one part of the climate change debate. Many local governments and businesses are taking a proactive leadership role through considering the long-term performance risks posed by climate change, rather than reactive ‘patch and mend’ measures. Climate change risk management can be incorporated into current decision making and design works. Golder’s recent participation at the 2009 Copenhagen COP15 Climate Change Summit demonstrated that many local governments and businesses are keen to take action and will play a pivotal role in how we address and consider climate change in current and future development. While national governments debate targets and action, many local governments and businesses are already considering the challenge of how to consider climate change in planning, whether in relation to water, biodiversity, energy efficiency, carbon offsets, coastal risk or town planning.

Engineers and technical specialists are increasingly being called on to consider the risks and mitigation scenarios posed by potential climate change impacts within their projects. Collaboration and partnering can play an important role in managing climate change risk. It can allow technical specialists to lead and work together to consider adaptation and mitigation techniques for improving the resilience of traditional technical or infrastructure design or assessment works, these include: stormwater systems, dams, vegetation planning, roads and footings. Climate change can also be considered in the general framework of decision making and scoping, through impact assessments and planning approvals.

Golder’s climate change adaptation planning undertaken in partnership with Durban City Local Government was proudly showcased by invitation at COP15 as an example of excellence and success in this area. The project demonstrates local government leadership in looking to improve resilience and long-term risk management by considering future challenges early for both land based and coastal assets and the local community. Involving stakeholders in the planning process also insured participation and transparency.

Carbon scheme or not, effective climate change adaptation and mitigation is an opportunity for companies, local government and technical specialists to challenge themselves and look to innovation and leadership in considering day-to-day issues within a climate change context. From infrastructure to technical design and studies, whether for built or natural environment assessments or large or small projects, climate change can be incorporated into current activities and development. CPRS or no CPRS.

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Golder Associates is a global company specialising in ground engineering and environmental services. Employee owned since its formation in 1960, Golder now employs 7,000 people who operate from more than 160 offices located throughout Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, North America and South America. www.golder.com

For more information contact:
Daniel Garland (National Communications)
T: 02 9478 3993
E: dgarland@golder.com.au