A BNFL official stated, however, that there 'had been no change in policy by either the utilities that operate the reactors or the national government'. The Japanese business is important as UK environment minister Michael Meacher is stalling the opening of BNFL's Sellafield MOX facility, pending confirmation of the Japanese contracts for the mixed oxide fuel. BNFL is currently transporting a shipment of MOX fuel on behalf of Cogema of France. Cogema's commercial director Jean-Jacques Gautrot said that 'it is quite common for the local population to be consulted on nuclear energy matters and so far it is too early to say whether this will be good or bad news'. Drought, floods and huge population dispersals will affect Asia.
Similar effects are likely in Latin America alongside increased risk from diseases such as malaria.
Ironically, North America and Europe may increase agricultural yields but face greater threat of disease. Worldwide damage to ecosystems will hit fish stocks, coral reefs and the trends of ice cap melting may continue long after greenhouse gas emissions have stabilised. The European Commission has acted on radiation protection directives that came into force in May 2000. Eight states had not communicated a complete list of measures to enact the directives, whilst the UK had not yet communicated legislation covering Gibraltar. The directives cover basic safety standards including natural radiation in the workplace and improvement of radiological protection for patients and medical staff.