2 October 2016: The Government of India has deposited its instrument of ratification of the Paris Agreement on climate change with the UN. This latest ratification was deposited on 2 October 2016, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, which is also the International Day of Non-Violence. It brings the total number of Parties to the UNFCCC that have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession to the Agreement to 62. These countries represent 51.89% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The Paris Agreement has 191 signatories to date. It was adopted by the Parties to the UNFCCC in December 2015, and will enter into force on the 30th day after the date on which at least 55 Parties to the UNFCCC, representing at least 55% of global GHG emissions, have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession.

Under the Paris Agreement, Parties will make nationally determined contributions (NDCs) outlining their climate change targets. Each successive NDC is expected to be at least as ambitious as the Party’s previous one. Through these national pledges, Parties aim to hold the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C.

The Paris Agreement is also expected to contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 (Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts). [Status of Ratification Website] [List of Ratifications, Acceptances and Approvals] [UNFCCC Press Release] [International Day of Non-Violence]