The DUP's Peter Weir said there was not a uniform view on climate change across the chamber and across Northern Ireland.

BBC: Inquiry into climate change

Despite the attempt by some environmentalists to paint the U.S. Chamber as an anti-science climate denier, the business group has acknowledged the reality of greenhouse gas emissions and the need for a coordinated response.

FORBES: Commentary

Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson immediately told the chamber the government would act on the Liberal Democrat suggestion to form a cross party short life working group to bring forward new targets, which would be scrutinised by the parliament.

BBC: Carbon emissions targets debate

"We're challenging Waxman-Markey's cap-and-trade bill, not the need for a legislative response to climate change, " says Karen Harbert, head of the Chamber's Institute for 21st Century Energy.

FORBES: Commentary

The differences in this chamber may be too deep right now to pass a comprehensive plan to fight climate change.

WHITEHOUSE: 2012 State Of The Union Address Enhanced Version