It's difficult to imagine busting a gut over the topic of climate change, but some comedians are sure trying to make the whole global warming situation a little lighter. According to a few professional laugh-makers it's a sensitive subject that can be difficult to generate significant laughs from because poking fun at say, SUV drivers can come across as preachy. And as everyone knows, there's almost nothing in the world more awkward than the silence after someone tries to tell a joke that falls painfully flat.

Fortunately some professionals have still come up with some pretty amusing quips on the topic. Even though half of the fun is in the delivery, these still come across relatively well on paper computer screen. Read on for a good Friday evening giggle, or maybe even a slight guffaw.

Chris Rock: I hope that Live Earth ends global warming the same way Live Aid ended world poverty.

Robin Williams: Clean coal is a bit like wearing a porous condom - at least the intention was there.

Alan Carr: You know who they're blaming for global warming now, don't ya? Single people. Because we're in our house all on our on own using all that energy for ourselves. Sorry, everyone. Sorry, for being minging. I suppose they'll want to attach a wind turbine to my wanking arm.

Larry David: We [bald men] don't spend all our time shampooing and rinsing our hair. It's one of the many selfless acts we bald men perform every day to make our world a better place. The bald also don't have use for plastic combs, or no hair dryers either so that's gotta save on electricity. Come on. We have got to go bald - all of us. Walking around with a full head of hair is like driving an SUV or dumping toxic sludge into a river. It's irresponsible. Hey, you hair people, shame on you!

Marcus Brigstocke: So how many of you have low-energy light bulbs at home? Oh? So you're all like me, when you go in a room you spend the first few minutes in the dark, wondering what room you're in, then apologising 'cos you've pissed all over the duvet.

Jay Leno: NASA just released their new report on global warming or, as President Bush, calls it - Spring.

Bill Maher: If it solved global warming, would you give up the TV remote and go back to carting your fat ass over to the television set every time you wanted to change the channel. If that was the case in America, I think Americans would watch one channel forever.

» Guardian