Portal:Current events/2004 May 21
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May 21, 2004 (Friday)
- 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 Company 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 life form, 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.
- Alex Rodriguez makes his first appearance at Ameriquest Field in Arlington after being traded by the Texas Rangers to the New York Yankees.