This just in: Director of carbon trading conference doesn't want to delay carbon trading

ABC Gold & Tweed Coasts - Carbon trading conference hears economic crisis concerns

The convener of a national carbon trading conference says delegates are concerned about the impact the global economic downturn could have on the growing sector.

Companies that measure carbon emissions, generate offsets and design and sell energy efficient products are represented at the Gold Coast forum that begins today.

The conference director, Michael Whitehead, says it would be counterproductive to delay carbon trading in Australia, despite current economic challenges.

"The last thing that a lot of companies will be thrilled about right now will be an added cost such as a cost associated with carbon emissions, but the climate change agenda will still be there, so we might well find that this sector will be one of the sectors leading the recovery," he said.