Russia Tentatively Commits to Kyoto

Surprising both politicians and environmentalists, Russian President

Vladimir Putin made a strong statement in support of the Kyoto Protocol in May. The European Union (EU), which ratified the protocol in May 2002, has agreed to support Russia’s bid to join the World Trade Organization only if Russia ratifies the protocol. “The EU has met us halfway in talks over the WTO, and that cannot but affect positively our position on the Kyoto Protocol,” Putin said. “We will speed up Russia’s movement toward the Kyoto Protocol’s ratification.” The protocol, which was signed more than six years ago, requires the ratification of countries responsible for at least 55% of the developed world’s greenhouse gas emissions; since the U.S. backed out in 2001, Russia’s ratification is necessary in order for the protocol to take effect (see

EBN

Vol. 11, No. 7).