Financial planners lag behind other sections of the financial services industry when it comes to climate change, research has found.
The findings were based on a report by Finsia and Griffith University.
"The financial planning sector is definitely less prepared [for climate change] due to a lack of understanding, a lack of interest from clients, and their role being one of product receiver rather than driver," the report said.
Finsia chief executive Martin Fahy said financial planners can engage their clients by introducing "robust offerings" to their range of products.
"Financial planners may not be aware of opportunities that are available from the challenges that climate change presents," Fahy said.
"For example, there are some water funds available that address these challenges.
"Planners can look at modelling their portfolios around climate changes risks."
The report found that industry superannuation funds are the leaders in the area.
Sections of the funds management sector were also starting to take a more active role in adopting sustainable measures that met the climate change challenge.
There are 19 superannuation funds and 20 investments managers signed up to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).
The PRI provides an outline for including environment, social and governance issues into investment decision making.
