A newly formed coalition said an effective response to climate change would create new jobs and economic opportunities.

The Southern Cross Climate Coalition (SCCC) is an alliance of the Climate Institute, the Australian Conservation Foundation, the Australian Council of Social Service and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).

In a joint statement, the coalition said climate change engendered one of the biggest challenges to the wellbeing of future generations and collaboration across all sectors of Australian society would be critical for devising an effective solution.

“We share the view that Australia faces major climate change risks unless the nation makes an urgent and orderly shift towards a low-carbon economy,” SCCC said.

The group said effective action on climate change should entail not only reducing greenhouse emissions, but also seizing new economic and job creation opportunities as well as improving the living standards of Australians fairly and sustainably.

ACTU president Sharan Burrow said: “Our groups share a platform that seeks to ensure climate policies are broadly based and everyone does their fair bit at time when we know the Rudd Government faces a legion of corporate lobbyists pushing for special deals.

“We need to protect vulnerable families and trade exposed industries but we also need to recognise that green jobs and climate-friendly industries provide Australia with economic opportunities.”

The statement added: “We believe that the cost of inaction far outweighs the cost of action to reduce emissions. Fortunately, Australia has the capacity to act and to positively influence other countries in our region and beyond.”