The Protocol, which was agreed to by 160 nations in 1997, commits its signatories to controlling climate change by reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. The Protocol now awaits ratification by the US Senate.
Signature is a necessary step forward.
But the buildup of greenhouse gases will not be stopped by the stroke of a pen. The administration must back up their work to move the negotiations forward here in Buenos Aires with real effort to reduce emissions at home. The buildup of greenhouse gases isn't. It's time for real action on climate change. The Environmental Defense Fund, a leading national, NY-based nonprofit organization, represents 300,000 members.