Canada has become the 99th country to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The move means that if, as promised, Russia now signs, the 1997 agreement will have achieved a critical mass and finally come into force.
To take full effect, the Protocol must be ratified by at least 55 members of the United Nations, which together were responsible for at least 55 per cent of the world鈥檚 greenhouse gas emissions in 1990.
The US, which was responsible for 36 per cent of the world鈥檚 emissions at that time, is the biggest opponent of the treaty. Other countries, such as Australia, have also refused to sign.
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With the addition of Canada, the total of 1990 emissions has risen to 40.6 per cent. Russia accounted for 17 per cent of emissions and so its ratification would break the 55 per cent barrier. At that point the treaty becomes binding and all developed countries will be obliged to work towards its targets.
鈥淭he right thing鈥�
鈥淲ith this signature, we are doing the right thing for Canada, for the global environment and for future generations,鈥� Jean Chretien, Canada鈥檚 prime minister, said on Monday.
Like all participating countries, Canada must now reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases by a minimum of six per cent below 1990 levels by 2012. Emissions are currently about 20 per cent above 1990 levels.
The Russian government has promised to ratify the Protocol, but in November, foreign minister Nikolai Pomoshnikov warned that it would be between three months and one year before the country makes a final decision.
Lost business
Canada鈥檚 ratification was condemned by private industries, which had long fought to block it. Many provincial governments are now expected to mount Supreme Court challenges to Ottawa鈥檚 right to implement the accord.
Opponents claim the agreement will cost businesses billions of dollars, because they will not be able to compete effectively with businesses in countries that have not ratified the treaty.
US President Bush has suggested an alternative plan with voluntary incentives for industries to reduce emissions.
