Russian Decision Will Put Global Climate Treaty Into Force

(23 September 2004 — NY)  Environmental Defense president Fred Krupp called late breaking reports today that the Russian government decided to submit the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change to the Russian Duma for ratification “the first clear sign since May that Russia is committed to taking the steps to usher in the age of carbon limits and climate stabilization.” 

“Russian ratification will bring into force a landmark international treaty under which for the first time nations will work together to safeguard Earth’s climate.  If the Duma approves, the Kyoto Protocol will be activated, creating the world’s first global platform for addressing the dangers of global warming.  Sadly, for now this leaves the U.S. isolated in its refusal to join the international effort to reduce greenhouse gas pollution,” Krupp said.  The Protocol has been ratified by over 100 nations, and is expected to take effect about 90 days after Russian ratification.  The Bush administration withdrew from the treaty in 2001.

“Russia is expected to ratify the measure.  There is wide understanding in Russia that the Kyoto Protocol will benefit the economy, while improving public health and saving lives,” said Alexander Golub, senior economist at Environmental Defense.

“For the first time since World War II a major international agreement will be implemented without significant participation or leadership by the U.S. Government,” said Peter C. Goldmark, Jr., director of Environmental Defense’s Climate and Air Program.  “The next order of business will be to build a bridge across which countries such as China, India, Brazil and the United States can join this global effort.”

Russian ratification will launch the Kyoto Protocol’s global market for trading reductions in emissions of the greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.  In that market, those who come up with better, cheaper, faster ways to reduce greenhouse gas pollution will be able to sell pollution reductions to others who find it more costly to make reductions.  Experience with other pollutants indicates that this market-based approach can help nations and businesses meet greenhouse gas reduction targets in an extremely cost-efficient manner.  “Russian policy-makers understand that participating in Kyoto’s emissions trading market can help attract new investment to make Russia’s energy infrastructure more efficient and less polluting,” said Dan Dudek, Environmental Defense chief economist.