Over in Australia, Julia Gillard's Labour's government announced over the weekend the introduction of a controversial law to tax industries, on the basis of the quantum of carbon emissions they produce.

With the new clean energy law, the government plans to reduce carbon emissions by 159 million tonnes a year by 2020 which would be equal to 45 million cars off the road. It also plans to slap a fine of 23 Australian dollars equivalent to £15 for every tonne of carbon emissions. Australia is the worst polluter in the developed world. Because of its comparatively lower population.

Public opinion on the Australian scheme is divided however. This Sydney resident thought it was a good thing

The new law was introduced against opposition warnings that it would be equal to smothering industries. The conservative opposition argued that the tax on carbon emission which they call toxic tax, would result in price rise and increase in the cost of living.

Written and Presented by Ann Salter