Profiles Index

US Refuses to Sign Pact to Stem Global Warming
The Kyoto Protocol became effective on Feb 16, 2005 when it was signed by 141 industrialized countries, including all of Europe. This pact is the first world agreement to fight global warming. Vice President Al Gore was an architect of it and President Clinton signed it in 1997. Despite campaign promises, George Bush withdrew US support for it in 2001, citing that compliance was too costly for US businesses.