Russia Backs Kyoto to Get on Path to Join WTO

Russian president Vladimir Putin’s announcement that Russia would support the Kyoto protocol on limitation of emission of green house gases into the atmosphere marks an important step. The Kyoto Protocol received a big blow when the Bush administration refused to support it. Given that there was a strong campaign by some elements in Russia against supporting the protocol the future of Kyoto hung in balance. Now it seems Putin may have used the domestic opposition to Kyoto as a bargaining chip for economic benefits. Under a deal signed with the European Union, Russia will be supported in its long-thwarted ambition to join the World Trade Organization in exchange for its support for Kyoto Protocol. The article quotes a former Russian official as saying: "It's an important step in the common integration of the Russian economy in the world economy." --YaleGlobal