Protecting the Planet

For decades, the side effects of technology and industry have beaten the natural environment into submission. The scale of environ-mental challenges today has never been greater, with a growing global population and the obvious need to assist developing countries to overcome poverty and modernise their economies.

Problems of the global commons are not restricted to any one country, or even one region. The grim picture of climate change, dwindling access to drinking and irrigation water, and millions of people with no electricity supply or communications should be an urgent wake-up call for technology transfer and infrastructure development. But equally as important is the urgent need for innovation in political will, education, and financing options – ‘joined up thinking’ is what is really needed.

Prevention is better

There are now commercial imperatives for sustainability. Fortunately there are many success stories – and Australia is a natural leader in addressing environmental challenges across a range of climatic zones and topographies, giving rise to a world-class environment and sustainability industry. The truly exciting part of this industry’s development is now under way as it makes the transition from trying to repair the problems of the past to trying to avoid the problems of the future.

Environmentally and economically this makes sense – the cost of preventing harm is much less than the cost of cleaning it up.

As higher standards are mandated around the world, benchmark solutions will be pulled through, and Australia is positioning itself to be able to deliver cutting-edge technology and service solutions.

The Australian industry is perhaps best known for its water, sanitation and waste management infrastructure capabilities, as well as its cleaner production and environmental management technologies and services. There is also a rapidly growing renewable energy sector with far-reaching potential. In many cases, Australia and Japan are jointly involved in these activities, with strong ties in innovation and investment.

Article by Fiona Wain, CEO,
Environment Business Australia.

>> www.environmentbusiness.com.au