UK government adviser on the economics of climate change and development Sir Nicholas Stern on Wednesday told South African business leaders that there were tremendous opportunities in South Africa for the development of low carbon, or ‘green' technologies, as the country had a tradition of creativity and looking to the future.

"The whole story of low-carbon growth is one where South Africa can play an important role," Stern added in his video address to delegates at the Merchantec Carbon climate change and business conference.

He noted that those getting involved with new low-carbon technologies earliest would have the biggest advantage, and pointed out that already money was being made in Asia from low-carbon technology solutions.

According to Stern, some 70% of South Korea's recession recovery-plan focused on green technologies. China was also becoming stronger in the development of green infrastructure. Japan has also made strong commitments to reduce carbon-dioxide (CO₂) emissions.

"We will have to run to catch up with Asia," he said, adding that these countries have recognised the opportunities in green technology.

He further maintained that the creativity and new ideas were there, and investors, in the form of long-term pension funds, were looking to put their money there.

He also cautioned that there were risks - such as reputational risk, shareholder activism, and not being able to attract employees - associated with not getting involved with the move towards a lower carbon economy. "If you don't get involved, you will get left behind. And your investors and shareholders will worry."

Closer to home, KPMG sustainability advisory services associate director Zoe Lees explained that "there is an incredible level of naivety among big business in South Africa. Companies that are heavily exposed to climate change still want to debate it."

She emphasised that climate change was the defining human development issue of the current decade as it threatens to erode freedoms and limit choices.

Highlighting the fact that carbon cycles do not follow political cycles, she reiterated that everyday that an agreement was delayed meant that more CO₂ was locked into the atmosphere, which would have an effect on increasing temperatures.

She stressed that not only should businesses in South Africa do more research and development of new low-carbon technologies, but they should also work on how to deliver those technologies to markets, and understand the social and cultural dimensions into which these technologies must be introduced.

At the conference, a distinction was made between sceptics, who questioned the science behind climate change, and denialists, who denied that climate change existed. One commentator noted that climate change scientists were not openly debating with the sceptics and denialists, because it was felt to be too much of a hassle going over the same arguments again and again.

Because scientists were not debating properly, confusion among regular individuals was said to be increasing.

"People think it's too complicated, and don't take it seriously," noted Lees. She added that the dots needed to be joined for people, and the jargon needed to be demystified and uncomplicated.

"Business leaders must understand climate change intimately. Make us feel safe about talking about this process," she concluded.