Mr. Vladimir Putin
President of the Russian Federation
The Kremlin, Moscow
Russian Federation

RE: Please ratify the Kyoto Treaty now

Dear President Putin,

I am writing to ask that Russia ratify the Kyoto Treaty immediately. Doing so would be the single greatest element of your legacy and would show renewed global leadership by Russia.

Climate change is reality around the globe and Russia is no exception. Permafrost, which covers approximately 2/3 of Russian territory, is showing signs of melting, causing severe damage. Forests and other vegetation show signs of dying back, becoming more prone to disease and are burning more intensely. Productivity in the agricultural sector is likely to be greatly reduced, and infectious diseases like West Nile Virus and Dengue Fever are likely to affect more and more Russians in the decades to come.

Russians as well as all peoples of the planet will pay a dear price as climate change progresses in terms of more expensive food, water and other basic necessities.

I urge that Russia honor its international commitments and immediately finalize ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. Please submit the treaty to the Duma immediately. At this critical juncture in history, for the environmental sustainability of the planet, it is essential that you honor your past promises to do so. The world community is watching and waiting for your global leadership on these crucial issues. Russia must not let the world down - please ratify Kyoto now!