Tiempo Climate Newswatch

The Russian Cabinet has approved ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, removing the final obstacle in the way of implementation of this phase of the climate treaty. "Russia's green light will allow the climate train to leave the station so we can really begin addressing the biggest threat to the planet and its people," proclaimed Klaus Toepfer, UN Environment Programme chief.

While President Putin has ordered his government to move ahead with ratification of the Protocol, there remains opposition. The Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov warned of a "difficult debate" when the issue comes before the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, before the end of the year. With a majority of Putin loyalists in the Duma, though, the house will likely follow the President's lead.

More information

• Newsday
• BBC
• Terra Daily

The United States continues to reject the Kyoto Protocol, despite Russia's new commitment to ratification. US spokesperson Richard Boucher said that the "position on the Kyoto Protocol has not changed" but noted that "it was up to other nations to independently evaluate whether ratification is in their national interest." He continued that President Bush has "reaffirmed our commitment" to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard said that his nation would meet its emissions targets under the Kyoto Protocol, but would not ratify the agreement. "The difficulty by ratifying, through ratifying under the present conditions, is that countries like China and Brazil and Indonesia would not be subject to the emissions targets we'd be subject to," he said. He feared that Australia would be disadvantaged as it would be more attractive for industry to invest in these countries and "that would take investment and also jobs out of our country."

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• Terra Daily
• Yahoo

Californian regulators have adopted the world's tightest controls on automobile emissions to cut releases of greenhouse gases. Manufacturers will be required to limit emissions through technological advances, such as improvements in air conditioners, more efficient transmissions and reduced engine size. Terry Tamminen, environmental protection secretary, said that California should do its part to reduce emissions. "Our contribution, no matter how large or small, makes a difference."

During the first stage, from 2009 through 2012, emissions should be reduced by about 25 percent for cars and light trucks and by about 18 percent for larger trucks and sport-utility vehicles. From 2016, the regulations would require emissions to be cut by up to 34 percent for cars and light trucks and by 25 percent for larger vehicles. The automobile industry trade group, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, may challenge the new regulations in court. It is not convinced the measures are worth the cost. "We see no apparent health benefit at great cost to California consumers," said spokesperson Gloria J Bergquist.

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• CNN
• Reuters

• New Rules Project
• Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers