It has been claimed that Northern Ireland could be at the forefront of efforts to stave off the worst effects of a prolonged global recession - but only if it joins a 'green technology revolution' that is said to be taking place around the world.

That will be one of the messages coming from a major international conference taking place in Belfast will hear this month.

The event, to be hosted by the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) and the Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL), will bring together more than 200 prominent scientists, decision makers, business people, other leading international experts and concerned citizens to debate the climate change crisis from Northern Ireland's perspective.

The organisers say that the volume of evidence pointing to man's contributory role in our changing climate is undeniable and that efforts to reverse its damaging effects must be urgently stepped up everywhere, including in Northern Ireland.

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Professor Sue Christie of NIEL said climate change is a regional problem for which there are regional solutions.

Citing growing opportunities for the renewable energy sector here, Professor Christie also said that many of the traditional industries could easily adapt to become global leaders in sustainable business.

"We are already seeing how progressive manufacturers like Wright Bus and Bombardier are investing in green products.

"Whether it is new hybrid bus technology or composites to make planes lighter, there is strong evidence that money can be made and jobs created when companies develop sustainable products for markets which are growing rapidly across the globe.

"Renewable energy technology is also being developed by a number of local firms, building on Northern Ireland's strong engineering history," she said.

Extensive research recently carried out by MATRIX, the Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel which is advising government how it can help build a sustainable economy, and also highlights the significant opportunities available to the local economy if it adopts clean, green technology.

"We in Northern Ireland must take urgent action to move ourselves in this direction if we are to be among those countries to seize the enormous economic and environmental benefits they will bring. Northern Ireland cannot continue 'business as usual' as the rest of the world adapts to the 21st Century's new realities," she continued.

Professor Christie said such 'green' collar jobs were the future; "A green-collar job can be anything that helps put the economy on the path to a cleaner, more energy efficient future.

"That means jobs in the public transit sector, in green building, in energy efficiency, in the growing renewable energy sector and in the research and innovation, developing new products for a low carbon future."

(BMcC)