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Governments and businesses are increasingly focused on both the threats and opportunities presented by climate change and should work together as partners in building a low carbon economy.Government must help businesses to make low carbon choices and can do so through measures such as financial incentives, taxes and regulation.Government must respect the investment cycles of businesses when introducing such measures and most importantly, its policy framework and incentive regimes must remain stable-any uncertainty increases the cost of capital for low carbon projects.Renewable energy, nuclear power and investment in energy efficiency are all more sustainable low carbon solutions than fossil fuel based generation but in some cases are capital intensive with longer payback periods.Government needs therefore to support businesses which invest in such areas.In the early stages of a new technology it is sometimes difficult to cover costs and a small stimulus from Government in the short term helps businesses drive them forward.A slow tightening of environmental standards can provide positive opportunities for business-increased emission standards for cars in the EU has seen the market for less polluting cars grow substantially.Government must also ensure there is a proper carbon price, whether through the introduction of market mechanisms such as carbon trading schemes or carbon taxes.Lastly the role of law is important-the UKs Climate Change Act introduced a legally binding framework to tackle climate change and has provided businesses with the certainty to take long term investment decisions that are low carbon and sustainable.