May 21, 2004

Russian President Vladimir Putin announces that his country will pursue ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. Ratification will make the protocol take effect and impose trade restrictions on non-participating countries, such as Australia and the United States. (Independent)
The Supreme Court of Canada, in a 5-4 decision, rules in a case between U.S. biotechnology firm Monsanto and farmer Percy Schmeiser that Monsanto holds a patent on the Roundup Ready gene inserted in its canola seed and can control the use of the plant. The court previously decided that a higher lifeform, the Harvard mouse, could not be patented. (CBC)
Mark Thompson, Chief Executive of Channel 4, is appointed as the new Director-General of the BBC. (BBC)
Active underwater volcano found off coast of Antarctica. New find explains discolored water surrounding the site. (Newswise) (US NSF)
TechTV airs the final episode of their second highest rated series, Call for Help, in advance of their takeover and merger by G4.