Negotiations for the ratification of the climate change convention treaty known as the Kyoto Protocol are due to take place in November, led by the country currently holding the presidency of the EU, France. A key aspect of the negotiations will be the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and the potential inclusion of nuclear generation within the CDM remit. The CDM is a method whereby emissions reduction projects in developing countries are credited towards home country efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. France relies heavily on nuclear power and is under considerable domestic pressure to promote its use in a climate of considerable opposition within Europe, particularly among environmental campaigners. France though, sees developing nations such as China, India and Vietnam as potential sources of new nuclear developments. However, under the terms of an earlier EU agreement, projects that are considered controversial may not be included within the CDM, an issue currently being debated ahead of the November talks. Other issues to be negotiated before final ratification are the sanctions that will be applied to countries that do not meet emissions reduction targets and the levels of compensation to be awarded to oil producing countries as developed nations shift their energy balance away from hydrocarbons.
