Chancellor Darling's green investment bank promise this week was well received by the majority of the green lobby and the other parties. But enthusiasm for the scheme needs to be tempered with caution if it is to avoid the pitfalls of its forebears.

It has become clear over the past week that the EU is hoping to reform its existing lending to developing countries through the European Investment Bank (EIB), European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and other budgetary funds into a new international financial institution that would have a similar international profile to the World Bank. The EU wants a new institution that can do for Europe’s reputation in the developing world what it considers the World Bank does for America’s reputation.

Recent controversy over the handling of climate data has been seized upon by those intent on preserving their own financial interests, with potentially catastrophic results for us all. The upsurge in doubt among the general public is concerning - but it is lack of understanding that allows doubt and fear to thrive. What messages best help the man in the pub see the sense in tackling climate change?