[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.