BBC NEWS | World | Europe | Russian move on climate welcomed 
Russian move on climate welcomed 
The Russian government's decision to approve the Kyoto climate change treaty has 
been hailed by the European Union and environmental groups. 
The Kyoto Protocol sets targets for greenhouse gas emissions, which many 
scientists believe are causing the Earth to warm at an unnatural rate. 
The cabinet has sent it to parliament to be ratified, where President Putin's 
supporters hold a two-thirds majority. 
The US, the biggest greenhouse gas producer, has not signed the treaty. 
Since the US pulled out three years ago, the treaty has been dependent on 
Russian ratification to be binding under international law. 
It must be ratified by the countries who together are responsible for at least 
55% of 1990 global greenhouse gas emissions. Russia accounts for 17% of world 
emissions. 
The BBC environment correspondent Richard Black says Russia's move is 
politically vital. 
Our correspondent says that Kyoto was only ever a first step - now discussions 
on the next, more stringent target on greenhouse gas emissions can begin. 
International support 
European Union Environment Commissioner Margot Wallstrom told the BBC: "We are 
very excited today - we have to wait [for] procedures in the Duma, but it looks 
very good." 
      We are very pleased, this is a hugely significant development politically 
      Bryony Worthington 
      Friends of the Earth 

And UK Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett praised the Russian move as "a 
vital step forwards for global efforts to tackle climate change". 
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi added his praise, saying the 
"prevention of global warming is a very important and difficult issue". 
Bryony Worthington of environmental campaign group Friends of the Earth 
expressed delight at the Russian decision, telling the BBC: "It will increase 
pressure on countries like the US and Australia, who have so far remained 
outside the only international agreement to curb greenhouse gas emissions." 
Interfax news agency said that Russian ministries linked to the environment had 
been given three months to work out a series of practical measures arising from 
Russia's obligations. 
Change of heart 
President Vladimir Putin ended the confusion over Russia's stance in May, when 
he spoke of his desire to see the treaty ratified. 



Some economic advisers had warned that Russia could face economic crisis if it 
had to cut greenhouse gas emissions. 
But Russia had to cut emissions from levels set at the height of Soviet output, 
Dafne Ter-Sakarian of the Economist Intelligence Unit said. 
This makes it unlikely that Kyoto will hurt the economy in the short term. 
But the deciding factor appears to be not the economic cost, but the political 
benefits for Russia, correspondents say. 
In particular, there has been talk of stronger European Union support for 
Russia's bid to join the World Trade Organization, in response to its 
ratification of the treaty. 
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/world/europe/3705362.stm

Published: 2004/09/30 19:02:06 GMT

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