The future economic prosperity of the region could be at risk if business leaders and decision-makers fail to act in response to climate change, the new West Midlands office for energy has said.
Energy West Midlands, which will officially launch todayat Birmingham's International Convention Centre, is the UK's first regional energy office.
Its role will be to help both business and individuals not only meet the challenges of climate change, but also the opportunities it presents.
Adrian Smith, director of Energy WM, said: " Climate change is perhaps the single most significant threat facing the world today, but its local and regional impact is not well documented.
"Although meteorologists did not directly link it with climate change, the recent tornado in Birmingham is a timely reminder that extreme weather isn't just an issue that affects other people.
"The West Midlands has recognised that it has an important part to play and that if it doesn't act now, incidents of extreme weather and winter flooding are likely to increase."
Mr Smith called on businesses to take advantage of the emerging "climate change economy" by looking at opportunities to diversify into environmental products and services.
"By tackling climate change in the region, the West Midlands could help to reduce its own environmental impact, as well as being at the forefront of new technological developments that will result from a low carbon economy," Mr Smith said.
Energy WM was formed out of the region's first Regional Energy Strategy, launched by the then Energy Minister, Mike O'Brien, in November 2004.
Former Powergen chief executive Nick Baldwin has been appointed West Midlands regional energy policy advisor and will work closely alongside Mr Smith.
It is supported by Advantage West Midlands, the Government Office for the West Midlands and the West Midlands Regional Assembly.
