Kyoto Protocol in force today

The Kyoto Protocol comes into force today, and the Government says New Zealand will play its part in reducing greenhouse gases which are causing climate change.

The protocol, so far ratified by 141 nations, sets binding emission reduction targets for the world's developed nations.

The United States and Australia are among the small number of developed countries which have not signed up to it.

Pete Hodgson, the minister in charge of climate change policy, said today the protocol would drive significant technological changes in the years ahead.

"New Zealanders have never chosen to be left behind as the world changes," he said in a statement.

"We're proud to be doing our bit alongside 140 other nations... we're now rising to the challenge posed by climate change, arguably the most important environmental issue the world has ever faced."

The protocol sets reduction levels which have to be achieved by 2012, and introduces an international carbon trading scheme -- countries which do well can benefit by selling carbon credits to others who are having difficulty meeting targets.

The Government signed the protocol in 2002. The National Party opposed ratification and has said it will pull out of the agreement if it comes to power.

National believes New Zealand will be disadvantaged by having to meet emission targets while its major trading partners do not.

- NZPA