The European Parliament approved the ratification of the Paris Agreement on 4 October, paving the way for the Council to formally adopt the Decision now that the political process is complete.
In addition, New Zealand deposited its instrument of ratification on the same day.
With New Zealand's deposit, the total number of Parties to the UNFCCC that have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession to the Agreement is 63.
These countries represent 52.11% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
EU member States are anticipated to continue ratifying the Agreement individually according to their national processes.
4 October 2016: The European Parliament approved the ratification of the Paris Agreement on 4 October, paving the way for the Council to formally adopt the Decision now that the political process is complete. In addition, New Zealand deposited its instrument of ratification on the same day. With New Zealand’s deposit, the total number of Parties to the UNFCCC that have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession to the Agreement is 63. These countries represent 52.11% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. EU member States are anticipated to continue ratifying the Agreement individually according to their national processes.
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. Once the EU has deposited its ratification instrument, this second threshold of 55% will be surpassed.
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). [European Commission Statement] [EU Climate Action and Energy Commissioner Remarks] [European Commission Press Release] [European Commission Climate Action Press Release] [UNFCCC Press Release on New Zealand] [UN Environment Press Release] [Status of Ratification Website] [List of Ratifications, Acceptances and Approvals]