Latest update: Environmental NGOs are monitoring the nuclear lobby's strategy at the COP-5 negotiations.
NGOs anticipate that one possible strategy will be to ensure that Parties rule nothing in and nothing out of consideration for CDM projects.

Jose Goldemberg, the Brazilian Chair of the World Energy Assessment, has suggested that countries take a holistic view when considering the possibility of including the nuclear option under the climate regime. Some countries are expected to advocate nuclear power as a suitable technology for CDM and JI projects under the kyoto Protocol.

Mr.Goldemberg recalled that the climate change Convention deals at length with sustainable development and noted that the proliferation of nuclear weapons was not compatable with the goals of sustainability. While conceding that nuclear power qualifies in principle for CDM by virtue of its minimal contribution to GHG emissions, he said there were constraints which are broader than climate concerns. The dangers of nuclear proliferation had nothing to do with the Convention but such considerations were important to consider. "It is going to be difficult for people dealing exclusively with climate change to refuse to consider the nuclear option as a valid one. It is valid. But it creates other complications. People in government will be sensitive to that," he said in an interview.

NEWSBYTE: At the Joint Working Group on compliance, the Worldwide Fund for Nature has called for a role for NGOs and civil society in assisting with implementation. Jennifer Morgan proposed that the Kyoto Protocol compliance regime allow for the submission of NGO reports on non implementation. Reports would go to the UNFCCC Secretariat to ensure that they dealt with valid issues of non-compliance.