"We cannot discuss energy security while standing still on climate change," Chirac told the leaders of Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States and Russia at their summit here.

"Humanity is dancing on a volcano."

Chirac described the Kyoto Protocol, which took effect in February last year, as "only a first step."

"I regret that the United States is not taking part. But all the others must stick to their commitments."

US President George W. Bush rejected the draft Kyoto treaty in 2001 on grounds that its binding commitments on reducing carbon dioxide emissions would be too costly for the US economy.

Chirac's remarks were seen as targeting Canada, where the new conservative government has shown itself to be skeptical on the Kyoto Protocol.

Kyoto signatories have committed themselves to limiting their greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2 percent from 1990 levels by 2012.

Chirac on Sunday called for "constructive talks" on the situation after 2012.

"Our goal must be an ambitious accord that commits us all, along with emerging market countries, to objectives equal to the threat that is weighing on humanity," he said.