President Nicolas Sarkozy announced the plan, which will be phased in starting in 2010. To promote fossil fuel reduction and encourage further development of sustainable energy sources, the tax will be levied on oil, gas, and coal usage at a rate of €17 per metric ton of carbon dioxide emitted.

Speaking of the need for such a measure,the president said, “There are no reserves left. It’s a question of survival of the human race.”

Our respectful thanks Your Excellency President Sarkozy for your exemplary steps to ensure a better future for all. May more and more leaders encourage such practices to save our extraordinary Earth.
Reference
http://www.theage.com.au/environment/sarkozy-to-the-rescue-20090911-fkt8.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8248392.stm
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hs=BGv&q=define%3A+tonne&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g-sx4g1g-sx1g1g-sx3