In a radical plan British scientists are using dolphins to assess the damage caused by carbon emissions, and other green issues on the planet.

The dolphins, which have been specially bred for the purpose are to be dropped in the desert along with a lot of technical equipment. Once there they will be studied and assessed, with the aim of discovering whether the poor conditions would effect their development should the worst happen and the human race be wiped out.

"We believe that dolphins are our future," said Ben Finch, chief scientist, "and this is the only way that we can see how they would function and survive in a post apocalyptic environment."

The dolphins declined to comment.