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Putin leaves Kyoto deal in doubt
MOSCOW, Russia -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to back a landmark pact to combat global warming. Putin argued Moscow needed more time to analyze the Kyoto protocol before ratifying the deal -- that will collapse without the backing of Russia after the U.S. pullout in 2001. "The government is closely studying and examining this question," Putin told the opening of a five-day World Climate Change Conference in Moscow. "This is part of a complex of difficult and unclear problems. A decision will be taken when this work is finished." "Russia actively stands for the quickest possible ratification of the Kyoto Protocol," Putin added, but offered no timetable for the process. The 1997 Kyoto Protocol calls on countries to reduce their level of greenhouse-gas emissions, which have been blamed for global warming, heatwaves, floods and shrinking ice caps. Pushed by delegates for a commitment to ratification, Putin said global warming had positive effects for his country. "People say we are a northern country and a temperature 2-3 degrees warmer would not be scary, maybe it would be good," he said. "You would have to spend less money of fur coats and other warm clothes. "Agriculture specialists say our farm production is increasing and will go on increasing. Thank God," Putin added. Russia's emissions are lower than in 1990 because of the collapse of Soviet-era industry. Putin said Russia's green-house emissions had dropped by 32 percent since 1990 due partly to the economic decline and structural reforms. CNN's Moscow Bureau Chief Jill Dougherty said people were speculating that Russia would come to a decision during the conference because Putin was speaking. But Putin has made it clear Russia will only give its final verdict once his government has meticulously examined the details of the agreement, taking into consideration Russia's interests. "He did say that it must meet Russia's national interests and also that it should not restrict its growth and social development," Dougherty added. Russia needs to vote in favor of the protocol for it to receive minimum support. Putin has been criticized by environmental groups for what they see as "stalling," and for putting into jeopardy the agreement. U.S. President George W. Bush refused to ratify the treaty saying Kyoto was too costly and excluded developing countries. The United States accounts for 32 percent of emissions and Russia 17 percent. Copyright 2003 CNN. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press contributed to this report.
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