Environmentalists have often criticised politicians for failing to translate rhetoric on combating climate change into real action. Wary of a backlash from voters, politicians tend to shy away from introducing policies that most voters are against. So, let’s welcome plans by the French government to introduce a tax next year on the use of fossil fuels even though its plans are very unpopular with the electorate. A poll by CSA found that 74% of French people are opposed to a carbon tax. Of course as politicians with one eye on votes, the French government has set a low price,at an initial €14 (£12) for every metric tonne of CO2 emitted, which is far below the €32 (£28) recommended by an independent review of the scheme, and excluded electricity generation from its plans. Nonetheless, the French are the first to tread where other politicians have often feared to go. If the tax is introduced– and it’s still a big ‘if’: prime minister Francois Fillon insists it will goahead, though president Sarkozy has the final say, and the powerful agricultural lobby is vehemently opposed – it will be a first. And maybe it will encourage politicians elsewhere if take the necessary unpopular measures to help tackle global warming.