Just how is a new tax a solution to Global Warming ? Taxation will only alleviate the problem if tax money is used to prevent or clean up pollution. Our elected pratts are using tax as a punishment stick, as if we are a nation of brainless imbeciles who need to be forced to be environmentally conscious. What is really going on here is the Master Manipulator's art of coaxing the public into accepting a new way of being robbed. Let's see how the key features fit together into a plan; (a) the overall strategy is to present a problem then offer a solution to that problem. Global warming is now being described as the biggest threat facing the planet. But its not a new problem. It has always been a serious issue, ever since the pollution started. It will still be a major issue for years to come, regardless of whatever corrective action scheme is embarked upon now. But it serves the strategy to make global warming the hot topic of the day. (b) someone in government raises the issue in order to make it the talking point. (c) the mass media follow the lead and discuss the government's 'stance' on the 'issue' (d) an in-depth 'scientific report' is produced. This is fodder for the academics/intellectuals who won't be convinced by a few newspaper headlines. They need to be shown that someone has done some serious scientific research. Whether proper research has been done is largely immaterial - most of them won't actually read the report. Especially if it is 700 pages long, eg the Stern Report. ( Even scientists, nerds and professors can find better things to do with their time! ) (e) the government's choice of action ( taxation ) is hailed as the awful but necessary remedy, without comprehensive discussion of the viable alternatives. The underlying plot is to frighten the public with such a menace that they will be glad that the government is doing something, anything against it. This problem -> fear -> solution scam has been used so many times before its a wonder we still fall for it. Prior to foisting this huge con trick on the nation, there was a small-scale dry run to see how people would react. Richmond. After all, New Labour doesn't want to spark off riots like Thatcher did with her poll tax.