Paris Climate Agreement into force on 4 November

  • COP21
  • Paris agreement

16 November 2016

The historic Paris Agreement to address climate change, that was adopted in December 2015, entered into force on 4 November 2016. “This is a momentous occasion,” said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

“What once seemed unthinkable, is now unstoppable. Strong international support for the Paris Agreement entering into force is a testament to the urgency for action, and reflects the consensus of governments that robust global cooperation, grounded in national action, is essential to meet the climate challenge.”

The Agreement provides that it shall enter into force 30 days after 55 countries, representing 55 percent of global emissions, have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance or accession with the Secretary-General. 

But Ban Ki-moon cautioned that the work of implementing the agreement still lay ahead.  “Now we must move from words to deeds and put Paris into action. We need all hands on deck – every part of society must be mobilized to reduce emissions and help communities adapt to inevitable climate impacts.”

Continue reading on the UN website.