Rudd ratifies Kyoto

Kevin Rudd in his first act as prime minister has ratified the Kyoto Protocol, but warned Australia is likely to face harsh penalties for missing its target under the treaty.

Mr Rudd signed the instrument of ratification after receiving the required approval from Governor-General Michael Jeffery today, coinciding with the start of post-Kyoto talks in Bali.

The news was greeted with applause on the floor of the Bali conference.

Australia would become a full Kyoto member before the end of next March, as the ratification becomes effective 90 days after being received by the United Nations, Mr Rudd said.

"Australia's official declaration today that we will become a member of the Kyoto Protocol is a significant step forward in our country's efforts to fight climate change domestically and with the international community," he said in a statement.

Under the treaty, the nation has a target of restricting greenhouse gas emissions to 108 per cent of 1990 levels during the 2008-12 commitment period.

While the former coalition government insisted it was on track to meet that goal, Mr Rudd is less confident.

"We are currently likely to ... overshoot our Kyoto target by one per cent," he told ABC Radio.

The prime minister said the penalty would be set out under the post-Kyoto deal that kicks in after 2012.

It would include a commitment to a further reduction - 60 million tonnes - in carbon emissions plus a 30 per cent penalty added to the subsequent commitment target.

The Australian Greens said the ratification was an historic act many years overdue.

"Prime Minister Rudd realises that he has now legally bound Australia to meeting our targets, so real and swift action is now needed to turn around our skyrocketing emissions," Greens climate change spokeswoman Christine Milne said.

Climate change scientists also welcomed the move.

"Ratifying Kyoto in itself is not a fix for the problem but it is an illustration of the fact that we are now serious about it and we are moving into Kyoto phase II with action rather than delay in mind," said Professor Barry Brook of the University of Adelaide.

Greenpeace said Mr Rudd's government would need to begin a switch from coal-fired power so emissions can begin to fall during its current term.

Indonesian Environment Minister Rachmat Witoelar said Australia would be given a seat at the negotiating table in Bali and invited to fully participate in talks for the post-Kyoto treaty.

UN Framework for the Convention on Climate Change executive secretary Yvo de Boer said the ovation to the ratification by the Bali delegates was an emotional and spontaneous reaction to a significant political decision.

Mr Rudd will travel to Indonesia next week to attend the conference along with Treasurer Wayne Swan, Climate Change Minister Penny Wong and Environment Minister Peter Garrett.

"It'll take a lot of time, and a lot of horse trading, a lot of negotiation and it's going to be a tough process," Mr Rudd told the Nine Network.

Climate Institute chief executive John Connor said the world's eyes would be on the nation in Bali.

"This will be Australia's moment in the sun in global climate politics - we'll be coming in from the cold of Kyoto, all the world will be watching ... it can send an emphatic signal to the rest of the world."

AAP