Despite much of the criticism against Russia’s political incentive in ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, the World Council of Churches (WCC) applauded the Russian Federation’s decision, calling it one that will “trigger the criteria to bring the treaty into effect as international law.”

"The WCC is very pleased that the Russian Federation will now be ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, which will trigger the criteria to bring the treaty into effect as international law," said WCC Climate Change program coordinator Dr David Hallmann.

On Thursday, Russia agreed to abide by the Kyoto Protocol, a 1997 international agreement on limiting the damage to the environment, as a means to obtain membership in the World Trade Organization.

"The world’s nations have been struggling to address the issue of climate change in negotiating international treaties for over 15 years. The ecumenical community through the WCC has been actively participating in this process recognizing climate change as a justice issue that will affect the most vulnerable peoples and future generations," Hallmann continued.

The Kyoto Protocol, upheld by more than 35 nations, calls for the decline of greenhouse grass emissions by at least 5% by 2008-2912 compared with the 1990 level.