IT is in Australia's interest to pass an emissions trading scheme before global climate change talks in Copenhagen, British climate expert Nicholas Stern says.
Lord Stern, speaking just before releasing a report on what rich countries need to do to reduce emissions and make this month's Copenhagen forum a success, said Australia was extremely vulnerable to climate change consequences like sea level rise.
"It is in Australia's interests to have a strong international deal and by acting strongly, Australia will be able to promote (that)," he told ABC TV on Tuesday.
Lord Stern said countries like Brazil, Indonesia, China and the US were all committing to stronger climate change action ahead of Copenhagen.
"I think we are seeing quite strong momentum but now is the time for this intense discussion," he said.
"We have to recognise what is at stake: if we don't act strongly and act now, we risk destruction of the relationship between human beings and the planet."
Lord Stern stressed climate change action didn't mean economic sacrifice and that those who acted early would reap the environmental and fiscal benefits.
"We are at the beginnings of one of the most exciting periods in economic history, where we make radical changes in technology, we invest, we innovate and we discover," he said.
"I belive Australia could be at the forefront of that."
Crucial elements of a successful emissions trading scheme included putting a "strong" price on carbon and securing government funding for clean, green technologies.
"A key part of the story as well is strong support for other countries, particularly the poor countries of the world, to help them make these kinds of changes," Lord Stern said.
He estimated that if a set of global emissions reductions targets were developed at Copenhagen, it could take as little as six to nine months for governments to work out the details of implementing them.
