Russia Ratifies Kyoto

Following endorsement by both houses of parliament, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the Kyoto Protocol on November 4, 2004, allowing the 1997 agreement, which aims to limit greenhouse-gas emissions and slow climate change, to take effect for signatories around the world. In order to be set in motion, the agreement required ratification by 55 industrialized nations accounting for at least 55% of global greenhouse-gas emissions. After the U.S., which releases 36% of global carbon dioxide emissions, backed out of the agreement, Russia’s ratification represented the treaty’s only chance for implementation. The Kyoto Treaty will take effect 90 days after Russia files its ratification with the United Nations.