The Russian government has approved the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gases and has sent it to the lower house of parliament, the Duma, for endorsement.
The pact will come into worldwide force 90 days after the ratification process ends.
The United States, the world's largest producer of greenhouse gases, withdrew from the agreement three years ago.
It has since needed Russian support to be implemented.
Ireland faces a real prospect of having to pay €1m-a-day in penalties because of excessive carbon dioxide emissions.
