Japan to ratify Kyoto agreement

On 21 May, the House of Representatives of the Japanese Diet approved ratification of the Kyoto agreement, which calls for a 6% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions compared with 1990 levels by the 2008 to 2012 time frame. After a review by the House of Councilors, the government is expected to sign the agreement on 6 June, making Japan the 55th country to ratify it.