Kyoto Protocol gets foothold in North America
After signing by Jean Chrétien, Canada's Prime Minister, the Canadian Environment Minister Anderson deposited the instrument of ratification for the Kyoto Protocol at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Federal Environment Minister Jürgen Trittin commented:
"I sincerely welcome the Canadian Government's decision, which is of great importance for the international climate protection process. The ratification by Canada gives the Kyoto Protocol a foothold in North America. For the first time legally binding objectives for the reduction of greenhouse gases are accepted within the North American free trade zone, NAFTA. I call on the USA to reconsider its position and to also meet its global responsibility for the protection of the world's climate.
Canada's step brings the Kyoto Protocol's entry into force within reach. We still need ratification by Russia, which in 1990 was responsible for 17.4% of the emissions by industrialised countries. Now that Russia has stated - at the World Summit for Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in September 2002 - its intention to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, nothing remains in the way of the Protocol's entry into force. I anticipate that we will hold the first Conference of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol in Italy next year."
In order for the Kyoto Protocol to enter into force, at least 55 countries must ratify it, and these countries must account altogether for at least 55 per cent of the industrialised countries' greenhouse gas emissions in 1990. The Kyoto Protocol enters into force 90 days after deposition of the last instrument of ratification required for entry into force. To date, including Canada, a total of 99 countries have already ratified the Protocol, covering 40.9% of the greenhouse gases of the industrialised countries. Germany deposited its instrument of ratification with the United Nations as early as 31 May 2002 with the other EU Member States. Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Iceland most eastern European countries, Brazil, China and India have also ratified.