SUVA (Pacnews) — Greenpeace Pacific is optimistic the Kyoto Protocol would come into force early next year after Japan ratified the protocol this week.
“Japan has sent out positive signals to the international community. This decision leaves Australia and United States increasingly isolated,” said Greenpeace Pacific activist, Angenette Heffernan.
The move by the world’s second largest economy was regarded as a critical step towards implementing the protocol. Japan became the 73rd country to sign the treaty, committing to a 6 percent reduction in its greenhouse gas emission from 1990 levels.
Fiji-based Heffernan said Australia should not wait for the U.S. to ratify.
“Australia should do it alone. It’s about time that it stops sitting on the fence on issues that is of global importance.”
“For the Pacific, the news is a welcome relief to low lying atolls, whose future depends on the reduction of gas emissions by large industrialized countries.”
Kyoto Protocol now needs ratification from Australia, Russia, Poland, New Zealand and Canada before it comes into force despite U.S withdrawal of support. Australia has indicated that it would review its position on the protocol before the end of the year.
