Carbon dioxide is produced by the burning of coal, oil and natural gas.
Scientists estimate it is responsible for 70 percent of the Earth's global warming. Under the Kyoto Protocol, the European Union is committed to reducing carbon dioxide levels by eight percent from 1990 levels by the five year period 2008 to 2012. But Europe s nuclear power stations are due for decommissioning after 25 to 30 years service. Both Germany and Sweden are engaged in phasing out their nuclear power plants. The report says that in one extreme scenario, early retirement of nuclear power stations could even result in carbon dioxide levels increasing by 40 percent by the year 2025.