I CARE more about the colour of the gear knob on my Mercedes SLK than the amount of carbon dioxide it produces.

I’m not going show any interest in what comes out the back until there is 100 per cent agreement among scientists that CO2 will cause catastrophic climate change.

For every scientist who claims that sea levels are going to rise 28 metres, I will find you an equally well-qualified one who says this is rubbish. If someone brings me conclusive evidence that I will save the world by switching to an ox then I will go out and buy one.

But until then it seems crazy to close down the Land Rover factory in Solihull and throw thousands of people out of work.

In a few years’ time people will ask: “Oh God, did we not give money to Africa because we spent it on wind farms?” Even if it turns out that we do need green cars, the Toyota Prius loved by many salad eaters is spectacularly ungreen. It has both an engine and an electric motor, so you have to have two factories producing them and churning out emissions.

It’s also beaten by just about every diesel in terms of how much fuel you burn.

Don’t believe the figures they give. I have thoroughly tested a Prius and it does 40mpg. I’m talking about proper driving, not pootling about like a little old lady.

I also tested a little VW Lupo diesel in the same way and got 70mpg.

The Prius is also badly made and doesn’t feel like it offers much protection. You really will be wearing your heart on your sleeve if you have an accident.

If you really insist on being green, you’re better off with a Lupo.

JEREMY CLARKSON WAS TALKING TO BEN WEBSTER