Government Ratifies Kyoto Protocol

Canada ratified the Kyoto Protocol, leaving the fate of the 1997 treaty on reducing greenhouse gases up to Russia.

To take effect, the pact must be ratified by at least 55 countries, including those responsible for 55% of the world’s emissions in 1990.

While nearly 100 countries have ratified it, the rejection of the treaty by the U.S. -- responsible for 36.1% of emissions in 1990 -- means nearly every other industrial country must sign for the pact to take effect.

Russia, responsible for 17.4%, has indicated it would ratify, which would bring the accord into effect.