Thought Leadership

Finally! Australia has done the morally correct thing, and signed the instrument of ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.  Mr. Rudd has already shown leadership as the new Prime minister, as opposed to the stubborn arrogance of his predecessor John Howard.

Mr Howard originally claimed the Kyoto Protocol was “a win for the environment and a win for Australian jobs” (ABC AM, Friday 19 Dec, 1997), but then refused to ratify the Protocol and instead went on to undermine international efforts.

The Australian Government today completed the 1st 4 of 6 steps necessary to conclude Australia’s ratification, as follows:

1. The Prime Minister signed an Executive Council minute recommending that the Governor approve ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.
2. The Executive Council met to consider the Executive Council Minute and associated Explanatory Memorandum.
3. The Governor General in Council approved ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.
4. The Prime Minister signed the Instrument of ratification.
5. The Instrument of ratification is deposited with the United Nations.
6. Ratification enters into force 90 days after the Instrument of Ratification is received by the United Nations.

For more information on the latest UN Climate Change Conference held in Bali, click here.

More information on the Kyoto Protocol can be found here.