    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [December 10, 1997]
    [Page 1746]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change
    December 10, 1997

        I am very pleased that the United States has reached an historic
    agreement with other nations of the world to take unprecedented action
    to address global warming. This agreement is environmentally strong and
    economically sound. It reflects a commitment by our generation to act in
    the interests of future generations.
        No nation is more committed to this effort than the United States.
    In Kyoto, our mission was to persuade other nations to find common
    ground so we could make realistic and achievable commitments to reduce
    greenhouse gas emissions. That mission was accomplished. The United
    States delegation, at the direction of Vice President Gore and with the
    skilled leadership of Under Secretary Stuart Eizenstat, showed the way.
    The momentum generated by Vice President Gore's visit helped move the
    negotiation to a successful conclusion, and I thank him.
        I am particularly pleased the agreement strongly reflects the
    commitment of the United States to use the tools of the free market to
    tackle this difficult problem.
        There are still hard challenges ahead, particularly in the area of
    involvement by developing nations. It is essential that these nations
    participate in a meaningful way if we are to truly tackle this global
    environmental challenge. But the industrialized nations have come
    together, taken a strong step, and that is real progress.
        Finally, let me thank Prime Minister Hashimoto and the people of
    Japan for their spirit and dedication to the task.