Annan impressed with Russia signing Kyoto

Kofi Annan, the Secretary-General of the UNO, stated yesterday that Russia's signing the Protocol of Kyoto is a significant first step in slowing down the growth of harmful Greenhouse Effect Gases in the atmosphere (GEG).

Speaking at the Energy Globe Awards, Kofi Annan considers that Moscow's decision taken last month to sign the Protocol will galvanize the world's actions in tackling the issue of climate change.

"With the recent decisions by the Russian Federation, we can now expect the Kyoto Protocol to enter into force. That would be a significant first step in slowing down the growth in harmful greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere," declared the Secretary-General, adding that "It would also help to galvanize the world's efforts to tackle the planetary challenge of climate change".

Timothy Bancroft-Hinchey