Topic: Carbon Cops

Activists at the Warsaw summit, including Patrick Bond, are heard calling for "climate justice" and the repayment of "climate debt" by wealthy nations. The hosts discuss the shift away from carbon trading solutions in favor of direct financial transfers to developing countries.

The Australian government under Prime Minister Julia Gillard is implementing a carbon tax despite previous promises not to do so. The legislation reportedly includes the creation of "carbon cops" with the power to enter premises and compel evidence, with penalties for non-compliance reaching up to 10 years in prison and million-dollar fines for corporations.

The COP 16 climate talks in Cancun, Mexico, conclude with the establishment of the Green Climate Fund, which aims to raise $100 billion annually. The hosts criticize the appointment of the World Bank as the fund's trustee, arguing the money will be used for "elitist pricks" rather than environmental protection. They also mention the "REDD" acronym for reducing emissions, characterizing it as a land grab from poor nations.

EU Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard speaks at the COP 16 summit in Cancun about long-term "low-carbon strategies" for 2050. She emphasizes the need for "predictability" for investors in carbon markets. The hosts mock the lack of an audience at the summit and the focus on business interests over environmental science.