in a move that is likely to clear the air on the intentions of key signatories, Japan and all the 15 member-states of the European Union (eu) have ratified the Kyoto Protocol. The international treaty seeks to cut the emission of greenhouse gases. Both the groups have urged the us to reconsider its decision of rejecting the protocol last year.

Terming the recent ratifications as "good news for the entire world', un secretary-general Kofi Annan has called upon other countries to follow suit to ensure that the protocol comes into force soon. For the Kyoto Protocol to become international law, it must be ratified by at least 55 countries (see box: Tracking emissions ). The nations that ratify must reduce emission of carbon dioxide (co₂) to an average of 5.2 per cent below 1990 levels during the stipulated five-year period