GLAND, Switzerland – The impossible is now inevitable. The global climate deal approved in Paris last year will come into force in 2016, according to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.Today the agreement reached – in record time – one target required for implementation; and the other target is in sight by the end of this year.
The secretary-general said that 60 countries representing about 48 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions have ratified the agreement. Ratification by 55 countries representing 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions is required for entry into force of the agreement.
"It is remarkable to see what political will can achieve. And now the real work must begin," said Regine Guenther, WWF Interim Leader for Climate and Energy. "The agreement must be turned into actions on the ground for real change because, as we head toward the end of what is likely to be the hottest year in recorded history, we know we have a brief window of opportunity to make a difference. We must not lose that by delaying action. We need the funds, the capacity, the programmes, the plans and the authority to immediately implement and scale-up efforts to combat climate change, and we need to see country climate pledges scaled-up."
The next immediate steps are that countries must now move to adopt measures in the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Maritime Organization and support the amendment to the Montreal Protocol that will see further global action on capping and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
"We expect nothing less from them," said Guenther.
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