Now that Russia has announced plans to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, the United States stands as the only major U.N. member to reject the global environmental protection plan.

The main goal of the Kyoto Protocol is to stop global warming by requiring industrialized member countries to implement emission cuts that would reduce greenhouse gasses.

So far, more than 70 nations have ratified the protocol. U.S. leaders rejected the deal in 1997 and said that while they support other countries’ ratification of the deal, they are taking other actions to limit climate change.

Although the Kyoto Protocol won’t necessarily prevent global warming, it is a major step in keeping current conditions from worsening. By refusing to take part in this international plan to help maintain the environment, the United States will continue to emit massive amounts of pollution through its industries. It appears the environment has taken a back seat to the economy once again.

After all, what would an American be reduced to if he or she could no longer waste thousands of dollars driving around in gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles? Surely world leaders should understand our need to refrain from joining their protocol.

As Americans, we are among the biggest producers of waste in the world, but it seems we don’t really care, so long as it helps us make money.

We try to play that off though. We teach children to recycle paper and not leave the faucet running. We teach them that saving the Earth is everybody’s responsibility.

But when our country is asked to help reduce global warming, we balk to protect our money.

It is hypocritical of us to promote saving the environment at some times, but then forget our plan when it really matters.

If the United States is to continue being a world leader, we need to step up to the plate and join the international effort to save our planet from ourselves.