EDITORIAL
U.S. is out of step on global warming

While it is not quite a done deal yet, it appears the world is about to pass the United States by in dealing with the vexing issue of global climate change.

Russia's Cabinet has approved the so-called Kyoto Protocol on climate change, which would put the treaty into effect. It requires ratification by 55 industrialized nations accounting for at least 55 percent of global emissions as measured in 1990.

Assuming the treaty goes through parliament, it will take effect and the United States will be out of step with the majority of the industrialized world. This will be a telling statement of our commitment to international cooperation and will signal our disregard for a serious global environmental problem.

The Bush administration says it supports lowering "greenhouse" gas emissions but argues the Kyoto treaty would do serious harm to the U.S. economy and would unfairly favor developing nations. On this matter, it has the support of the U.S. Senate.

Still, this is thin ground to stand on. As one of the world's leading creators of carbon dioxide emissions, the United States should take a lead role in the effort to reduce these gases.

It is fair enough to argue for amendments or adjustments to the Kyoto treaty. That's what diplomacy is all about.

But by standing aside while the rest of the world moves forward, the United States forfeits its right to take a leadership role in this most important matter.