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The treaty, drafted in 1997 at a U.N. conference in Kyoto, Japan, seeks to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases that are widely seen as a key factor behind global warming.

Without Russia's support, the pact -- which has been rejected by the United States and Australia -- cannot come into effect. It needs ratification by 55 industrialized nations accounting for at least 55 percent of global emissions in 1990.

The Cabinet's action was cheered by United Nations officials and the governments of Germany, Italy, Britain and Japan and the European Union, which have been among the agreement's most fervent backers.

"Russia's green light will allow the climate train to leave the station so we can really begin addressing the biggest threat to the planet and its people," said Klaus Toepfer, head of the U.N. Environment Program.
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