NZ welcomes Russia's move to endorse Kyoto Protocol

1.00pm

Russia's move to bring the Kyoto Protocol on climate change into force has been welcomed by the New Zealand Government.

The Russian government approved the Kyoto Protocol overnight New Zealand time giving decisive support to the long-delayed climate change treaty that should allow it to come into force worldwide.

President Vladimir Putin's cabinet decided to send the 1997 UN pact to the State Duma lower house, dominated by Kremlin supporters, for ratification.

Pete Hodgson, the minister responsible for climate change policy in New Zealand, said it was a very positive step.

"I commend President Putin and his ministers for the leadership they are showing in wanting to do something meaningful to tackle climate change. I look forward to the hearing the decision of the Duma," Mr Hodgson said.

In Russia, like New Zealand, opponents of the treaty maintain it will harm the economy and do little to protect the environment.

The protocol requires countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 5 per cent below 1990 levels by 2008-2012.

The future of the treaty was thrown into doubt after the United States and some others rejected it.

Russia, which accounts for 17 per cent of world emissions, has held the key to Kyoto's success since the US pullout.

Kyoto becomes binding once it has been ratified by 55 per cent of the signatories, which must altogether account for 55 per cent of developed countries' carbon dioxide emissions.

The pact, so far ratified by more than 120 nations including New Zealand, has met the first condition. But they account for only 44 per cent of emissions.

Russia initially prevaricated on ratification. But in May Mr Putin backed it in exchange for EU agreement on the terms of Moscow's admission to the World Trade Organisation.

Australia has also refused to ratify the protocol.

Mr Hodgson said that countries signed up to the United Nations treaty on climate change had yet to negotiate what would happen after 2012, but said the protocol was just a small step.

Countries that reduce emissions below target levels are able to trade "emission rights" with those who fail to meet their targets.

Because of significant forestry planting in New Zealand in the 1990s, New Zealand will meet its obligations and have surplus emission units to trade.

- NZPA