How to talk carbon to businesses. An extremely useful contribution from the Republic of Everyone – the ad agency that created the cool Gruen Transfer ad for the Greens. Launched last week, this discussion paper was commissioned by NAB following a forum on carbon communication in 2010.

They point out that the carbon debate has been hijacked by those talking about the risks of change. What’s missing is discussion about the Costs of Inaction.

They make 6 points:

 

1. IT’S NOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE, IT’S A BUSINESS ISSUE. 

This is an overarching message, which refocuses the debate away from environmental and scientific issues toward business issues. 

2. EFFICIENCY IS WHAT’S AT STAKE

 As identified in the Forum, efficiency is key to Australia’s long term prosperity. 

3. IT’S AN INNOVATION OPPORTUNITY

 Every change in the landscape provides leadership opportunities. And the bigger the change, the bigger the opportunity. 

4. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS IS WHAT IS AT STAKE

 The Forum determined that international competitiveness is a key outcome. This argument expands on that point.

5. JOB CREATION IS A KEY BENEFIT

 The Forum determined that job creation is a key outcome. This argument expands on that point.

6. EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT IS A KEY OUTCOME

An extension of the job creation argument, this section considers the role of a low carbon economy in attracting and retaining key employees.