Kyoto global warming treaty takes effect

The Kyoto global warming pact took effect today seven years after it was negotiated, requiring dozens of industrial nations to reduce emissions of ”greenhouse” gases believed linked to climate change.

The agreement, negotiated in Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto in 1997 and ratified by 140 nations, officially went into force at midnight New York time (5am Irish Time). The pact is an adjunct to the 1992 UN treaty on climate change.