Mr President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

My name is Astrid Gisbertz and I am speaking on behalf of FORATOM, the European Atomic Forum, representing the nuclear industry in Europe. We are here at the climate change conference under an umbrella group—the International Nuclear Forum.

Not only do I represent these official groups but I am also a young person with concerns about my environment and the environment for my children.

In some areas of the world, electricity is a basic commodity, whereas in others, it is only a dream.

Even with conservation measures, population and economic growth will increase world demand for electricity as countries develop and expand their industrial base.

Satisfying this demand will have environmental consequences, as all methods of electricity generation have some impact on the environment. Our global challenge is to minimize this impact while satisfying the energy needs of the world.

The world needs all available emission avoidance technologies. We suggest there should be no exclusion of technology that can fulfil the criteria within the framework of Joint Implementation and the Clean Development Mechanism. Additionally, the choice of nuclear energy in this context must be based on each individual country's circumstances.

Implementation of emission restrictions should be flexible, without limits on the nature and scope of acceptable projects, so as to optimise each individual country's development and energy choices.

Electricity generated by nuclear energy is already avoiding global carbon emissions and is contributing to the attainment of voluntary reduction commitments. Currently, nuclear accounts for 16% of the world's electricity, thus avoiding 1.8 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually. Maintaining and expanding nuclear energy generation—together with the extended use of renewables—can avoid emission increases which result from developed and developing country industrial growth.

Nuclear energy projects meet the test of sustainable development as defined in Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol because they are real, quantifiable, verifiable and additional.

The global nuclear energy industry, through its participation in the International Nuclear Forum, will continue to work with all UNFCCC Parties, observers and the public to protect the environment and make sustained development possible. Thank you.