Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol might be stalled by Russia

The Kyoto Protocol does not seem likely to enter into force before the Johannesburg summit in September 2002. The EU has decided on ratification by June 2002, but a few other large industrialised countries, such as Russia and Japan, must follow for the Kyoto Protocol to have a realistic chance to come into force. Russia seems unlikely to take that step in the near future.