19 September 2016: The Federated States of Micronesia deposited its instrument of ratification of the Paris Agreement with the UN on 15 September. Ukraine deposited its instrument of ratification with the UN on 19 September 2016. In addition, Brazil, Panama and Mexico have recently completed their domestic processes for ratification and the deposit of their instruments is imminent. These additions will bring to 32 the total number of Parties to the UNFCCC that have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession to the Agreement, with further announcements expected on 21 September during a special event convened by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for that purpose at UN Headquarters.

The Agreement, which was adopted by the Parties to the UNFCCC in December 2015, has 180 signatories to date. The Agreement 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). [UNFCCC Press Release] [UNFCCC Paris Agreement – Status of Ratification Website] [IISD RS Story on the Ratification of the Paris Agreement by Brazil and Panama][UN Treaty Collection Depositary List of Paris Agreement Ratifications, Acceptances and Approvals][CINU Press Release on Mexico’s ratification]