28.06.2002 | FridayEU disappointed Australia wont ratify Kyoto protocol
EU environment ministers have expressed their disappointment at Australias refusal to ratify the Kyoto protocol, which is aimed at reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.
News: The ministers have urged all nations which signed on to the protocol in 1997 to live up to their responsibilities and cut their greenhouse gas emissions back to pre-1990 levels. But the ministers say the European Union is particularly disappointed with the recent announcement by Prime Minister John Howard that his Government will not ratify the Kyoto protocol. Earlier this month, Australia backed away from committing itself to the accord until the United States, and developing countries including China and India, were fully involved. Resources Minister, Ian Macfarlane has also said Australian industry and jobs will suffer if the Government ratifies the protocol in its current form. (ABC News)