The Environment Agency chairman has said that the UK needs to train more scientists and engineers in order to develop the emissions reducing technology required to meet strict EU targets.
Speaking at the organisation's annual conference, Lord Smith commented that the UK is "perfectly placed to lead the world" in terms of technology development.
"In the new world of climate change, we will need science and engineering skills more than ever," he said.
Lord Smith also called for a Climate Change Fund to be established, which would adopt a system of match funding from businesses, universities and the government.
He claimed that this would allow the prioritisation and co-ordination of research and efforts in the fight against greenhouse gas emissions.
Commenting on the Copenhagen Summit that is due to take place in December, Lord Smith stressed that it should be viewed as the beginning of the process rather than the end.
Cap and trade schemes should form part of the agreements due to be discussed at the UN conference next month, he said, with scope for each continent to develop these further.
Delegates from all over the world are expected to attend the event in the Danish capital. Government ministers, UN bodies and observer organisations will make up the majority of participants.
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