Kyoto Protocol takes effect
Global warming pact to stem ＇greenhouse gases＇

Date: February 16, 2005

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NEW YORK (AP) -- The Kyoto global warming pact went into force Wednesday, seven years after it was negotiated, imposing limits on emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases scientists blame for rising world temperatures, melting glaciers and rising oceans.

The agreement, negotiated in Japan＇s ancient capital of Kyoto in 1997 and ratified, accepted, approved or assented by 141 nations including the European Union (EU), officially went into force at midnight New York time (0500 GMT).

Environmental officials, gathered in the convention hall where the accord was adopted, hailed the protocol as a historic first step in the battle against global warming and urged the world to further strengthen safeguards against greenhouse gases.

The protocol targets carbon dioxide and five other gases that can trap heat in the atmosphere, and are believed to be behind rising global temperatures that many scientists say are already disrupting the Earth＇s environment and weather patterns.

The United States, the world＇s largest emitter of such gases, has refused to ratify the agreement, saying it would harm the economy and is flawed by the lack of restrictions on emissions by emerging economies China and India.

Australia, the only other developed nation not to join, defended that decision, with Environment Minister Ian Campbell saying the country was nonetheless on track to cut emissions by 30 percent.

"Until such time as the major polluters of the world including the United States and China are made part of the Kyoto regime, it is next to useless and indeed harmful for a country such as Australia to sign up," Australian Prime Minister John Howard said in Canberra.

The Kyoto agreement was delayed by the requirement that countries accounting for 55 percent of the world＇s emissions must ratify it. That goal was reached last year -- nearly seven years after the pact was negotiated -- with Russia＇s approval.

Joke Waller-Hunter, the Dutch chief of the treaty secretariat, said that while the Kyoto agreement was already having an impact on greenhouse gas admissions, it was only a first step that must be followed up with stronger agreements once it expires in 2012.

The Kyoto pact is an adjunct to the 1992 U.N. treaty on climate change.
Its targets vary by region: The European Union is committed to cutting emissions to 8 percent below 1990 levels by 2012; the United States agreed to a 7 percent reduction before President George W. Bush denounced the pact in 2001.

Japan is struggling to find ways to meet its obligations. A report this month by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry showed that 11 of 30 top Japanese industries -- steel and power among them -- risked failing to reach targets unless they take drastic steps.

Officials made solemn pledges Tuesday to fulfill Japan＇s treaty requirement to cut emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases by 6 percent below 1990 levels by 2012.

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