G8 split on nuclear energy and climate change

Leaders at the G8 summit in St Petersburg have failed to forge a unanimous stance on nuclear energy and climate change. The G8 issued three documents yesterday on global energy, fighting infectious diseases and boosting education in developing countries. But the joint statement from the leaders of the world's most developed nations could only manage a passing reference to climate change, and that indicated a schism among leaders. On global energy, the statement said: "Those of us committed to making the Kyoto protocol a success underline the importance we attach to it." The G8 pledged to find "shared and multiple objectives" on cutting greenhouse gas emissions, as well as "improving the global environment, enhancing energy security and cutting air pollution in conjunction with our vigorous efforts to reduce poverty". But the statement pointed to differences of opinion on how best to achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. "We recognise that G8 members pursue different ways to achieve energy security and the goals of climate protection," it said. "Those of us who have or are considering plans relating to the use and/or development of safe and secure nuclear energy believe that its development will contribute to global energy security, while simultaneously reducing harmful air pollution and addressing the climate change challenge," it added. The document also committed the G8 to further reducing the risks associated with "the safe use of nuclear energy". Nuclear energy use, must be based "on a robust regime for assuring nuclear non-proliferation and reliable safety and security systems for nuclear materials and facilities", the statement added.