Up to one million "green" jobs could be created in the next 20 years if Australia's leaders get serious about tackling climate change, a forum in Brisbane will be told on Wednesday.
The Southern Cross Climate Coalition, which organised the forum, believes Australia could become a leader in six key industries within the growing global $6 trillion green products and technology market.
These include renewable energy (such as wind and solar), energy efficiency, production of bio-materials (including plastic from plant starch), green buildings with less energy and water use, sustainable water systems and waste and recycling.
But a strengthened Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and more policies on energy efficiency and developing clean energy would be essential for these industries to prosper, the coalition says.
The coalition is made up of the Climate Institute, Australian Council of Social Service, Australian Council of Trade Unions, WWF and the Australian Conservation Foundation.
The groups will hold a climate change and jobs forum in South Brisbane that they hope will pressure politicians and businesses to take action on climate change.
"The vote on an effective emissions trading scheme in the federal parliament in coming weeks will be crucial if Australia is to unlock billions of investment dollars needed to drive the transformation to a low-carbon economy and create hundreds of thousands of jobs," Climate Institute chief executive John Connor said in a statement.
"It's time for the dinosaurs in politics and business to evolve and stop blocking the industries and jobs which will cut the greenhouse gases harming our environment."
