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A senior U.S. official has described the signing of the Paris Agreement set for Friday as “another critical milestone” in the fight against climate change.
“Friday is another critical milestone along the path confronting the threats and entry into force is really kind of a critical next step beyond that.
A senior State Department official said on Wednesday on condition of anonymity in Washington that Secretary of State John Kerry would join representatives from over 100 countries on Friday in signing the agreement, which was reached in Paris last December.
“The swift action by so many countries every climate, every size, every economy is really a testament to the undeniable momentum coming out of Paris.
“It is spurring not only swift action on the Paris Agreement itself but really continued progress on our collective efforts to move to clean energy, to low carbon, to a climate-friendly future,’’ he said.
He said the next step is for countries to join the Paris Agreement, which is distinct from signing.
The official said the deal would not enter into force until at least 55 nations representing at least 55 per cent of global emissions are included.
Meanwhile, U.S. and China have in a joint statement announced their intention to sign the agreement on Friday and then to join as early as possible this year.
The official said the pronouncement by the two largest emitters, which together account for virtually 40 per cent of global emissions, is a significant signal and reality of continued commitment and momentum. (Xinhua/NAN)
