Leaders and representatives from more than 130 countries will on 22 April sign the climate deal reached in Paris last December, as momentum gathers towards its eventual ratification.

Under the deal, the 196 parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change agreed to ensure that the global temperature rise this century will be limited to two degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial times and that efforts will be made to limit this to 1.5 degrees, among other commitments

In order for it to enter into force, the agreement – designed to follow on from the Kyoto Protocol which expires in 2020 – must be ratified by at least 55 countries, representing at least 55% of global emissions.

China, and the US, together representing 40% of world emissions, are among states to have pledged to ratify the accord as early as possible in 2016. The treaty could enter into force earlier than 2020 if world leaders wish, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has underlined.

Initial national emission reduction pledges were submitted to UNEP ahead of the COP21 conference where the Paris Agreement was reached.

The signing will take place at the UN headquarters in New York and coincides with Earth Day. For more details please write to rie.tsutsumi@unep.org