PARIS, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Thursday a new carbon tax is necessary to limit his country's fossil fuel usage and fight global warming.

Sarkozy said the levy, which will impose a nearly $25 tax per ton of carbon dioxide emissions, will make fuel costs rise in France but will allow the country to make major strides in the fight against climate change, The Guardian (Britain) reported.

"There are no reserves left. It's a question of survival of the human race," Sarkozy said. "There is one objective: to encourage homes and businesses to change their behavior."

Sarkozy said the government would work to return the collected carbon taxes to French residents and businesses through efforts like tax cuts and tax credits.

The French president also said those residents living in rural areas will benefit the most from those efforts due to their increased dependence on vehicles compared to urban areas with good public transport.

The Guardian reported Sarkozy announced the carbon tax, which is tabbed to be enacted next year, would slowly increase to allow the citizenry to adapt.