The Observatoire nationale du rechauffement climatique (ONERC) is warning French citizens to expect the effects of global warning to be much greater in France than the average world wide, perhaps a rise in temperature of 50% greater. This is due partly to France’s geographical location but also to its size, twice that of the United Kingdom, with many areas a long way from the sea.

ONERC say that those industries most adversely influenced by this climate change – albeit one that will not come about for several decades – are France’s network of water-cooled nuclear stations and the performance of its high speed TGV trains. That might result in a philosophical shrug of most Gallic shoulders but ONERC has saved its most alarmist prediction until last. Fungi essential for successful wine production will also be under threat in the more extreme climate, with Sauternes the most likely to be severely affected.