Australia's top 200 listed companies (ASX200) are far from prepared to handle the risks imposed by climate change, according to a white paper released by RepuTex.

The paper says that although the world is making a steady transition to a low-carbon economy, many companies are yet to understand the degree to which carbon risks can impact finance, competition and growth — and members appear to agree.

In CPA Update edition 44 (14 November 2007), readers were asked whether they thought their company's sustainability practices were adequate. Almost half said no.

According to RepuTex, this kind of inability, or perceived inability to deal with the risks of climate change can ultimately impact upon an organisation's overall sense of value and worth, which in turn may affect its investment appeal.

Identifying carbon value: the carbon responsiveness of ASX 200 stocks purports that climate change is no longer purely an environmental risk issue, but is also a significant opportunity for the corporate and investment communities.

For further information visit the RepuTex website.