The Kyoto Protocol is a part of the Framework Convention on the Climate Change. It requires the industrialised countries to reduce 1990 emissions’ levels by a 5% by 2008-2012. Czesław Śleziak, the secretary of state in the Ministry of Environment, discusses the ratification of the Convention by Poland. Speedy ratification of the Convention is dictated by: commitment to join the EU, declaration of Polish politicians voiced on the international forum and the image of Poland as a responsible country implementing the sustainable development policy. It has also practical significance: the ratification of the Protocol will provide legal basis for support mechanisms beneficial to Poland in terms of both finance and technology.