Shadow Environment Minister Cole Simons has attacked Government's pledge to sign the Kyoto Protocol — claiming the Island is not in a position to execute the agreement.

Mr. Simons said the Protocol was executed on behalf of Bermuda and the rest of the UK territories by Britain.

It comes after Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield announced plans to ratify the Protocol, which was drawn up in 1999 to encourage countries across the world to adopt strategies limiting the production of greenhouse gases which erode the ozone layer.

Mr. Simons said in a statement: "The recent announcement made by the Bermuda Government to ratify and sign the Kyoto Protocol is very misleading, irresponsible and another election ploy.

"As a UK overseas territory, the Kyoto Protocol was executed by Britain on our behalf and the rest of the UK territories.

"We are not qualified to execute this agreement. Furthermore this Protocol's first commitment expires in 2012 when carbon emissions are to be reduced by five percent of the 1990 levels.

"If Bermuda wants to comply with the Kyoto Protocol, and the upcoming enhancements, Bermuda needs to appoint a climate change commission and ultimately produce legislation which will formulate an action plan that will help Bermuda to more effectively manage its green house emissions, and reduce her carbon foot print.

"We as a country and individuals are duty bound to make substantive contributions if we are going to help address the world's single most environmental challenge."

In a statement last month, Ms Butterfield said signing the agreement showed Bermuda would join the international fight against climate change and demonstrate to the world its commitment to the reduction of the emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

She said: "Climate change is a global phenomenon that some still do not recognise. Nations like Bermuda must be keenly aware of its potential impact because we are a small isolated island."

Mr. Simons was speaking after returning from a climate change debate with scores of politicians and legislators from across the Commonwealth, including UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, at the UK Parliament.

At the conference, Mr. Brown said global warming and climate change was the single greatest challenge to face the world this century.