MADRID (AFP) — The UN's top climate change official said Thursday that record oil prices, which have surged to 146 dollars a barrel, were positive for the environment.

"I think they are a net positive. First of all you see that through decreasing demand in Europe and North America where people are becoming much more conscious of petrol prices," Yvo de Boer told AFP.

"High oil prices also improve the competitiveness of renewable sources of energy and make it more interesting to focus on energy efficiency," he added.