§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the steps the Government is taking to ensure that the Kyoto Protocol becomes legally binding. [136111]
3W
§ Mr. MorleyWhen the Kyoto Protocol enters into force, the targets it sets will become binding on the parties involved. In order for the Protocol to enter into force it must be signed by at least 55 countries including Annex 1 (developed) countries representing 55 per cent. of developed countries carbon dioxide emissions in 1990. Currently 119 countries representing 44.2 per cent. of emissions have ratified. Following withdrawal of the US from Kyoto in 2001, ratification by Russia is crucial to meet the 55 per cent. target and bring the Protocol into force.
The Prime Minister has written to President Putin twice this year to stress the importance of Russian ratification in the near future, and other ministerial colleagues press their Russian counterparts on the issue whenever appropriate. Officials also meet regularly with Russian counterparts and we have highlighted the significant economic, as well as environmental benefits to Russia if they ratify. We are confident that the Protocol will come into force in 2004.