Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur's amendment, which said the UK Government's plans for a Green Investment Bank to fund low-carbon transport and energy schemes would benefit Scotland's efforts to build a low-carbon economy, was passed without opposition with 75 MSPs voting for it and with 46 MSPs abstaining.

BBC: Decision time

Yet in order to have any significant effect on demand for low carbon energy technologies, the price of carbon would need to be higher than any political economy has been willing to bear.

FORBES: The Carbon Tax, Then and Now

Energy and climate change minister Lord Marland, opening the debate, said the government's aims were energy security, a low-carbon economy, and value for money for the taxpayer.

BBC: Lord Lawson condemns government's climate change policy

He said at the conference he would demonstrate how Scotland was making the low carbon economy a reality, resulting in jobs and growth and showing investment would lead to both energy security and lower costs to consumers in the long term.

BBC: 'UN Climate Summit' debate 1