Australia must take advantage of the global shift towards clean energy to unlock thousands of jobs and boost the economy, the national environment organisation says.

Ahead of the federal government’s jobs and skills summit, the Australian Conservation Foundation has released its proposal for a renewable export strategy.

Without it, Australia is at risk of becoming irrelevant as the world shifts to reach net-zero emissions targets and address climate change, the foundation said.

It found around half of the nation’s current exports value, worth $250 billion, is exposed to international shifts to decarbonise.

This primarily affects coal and gas exports but also items that emit a lot of pollution during production, such as aluminium, iron ore and beef.

A renewable export strategy would help generate almost 400,000 jobs and produce $89 billion in revenue by 2040, foundation chief Kelly O’Shanassy said.

“As the world moves away from coal and gas, Australia can retain our mantle as a reliable exporter with our focus now on critical minerals, renewable energy and green steel, hydrogen and aluminium,” she said in a statement.

“We need to act decisively to secure these industries. Australia is not the only nation in the world with the natural advantages and know-how to become a clean energy superpower.”

The upcoming summit, which will bring together 100 representatives from the business, union and community sectors, must focus on the future of Australia’s economy, Ms O’Shanassy said.

“A transition to net-zero emissions industries and jobs is unavoidable, our choice is in how we transition,” she said.

“If we act with speed and certainty through a national clean exports plan, the solutions to climate change will be a jobs bonanza.”

Ms O’Shanassy will speak at the summit, to be held on September 1 and 2 in Canberra.

– AAP