The US and China have formally accepted the Paris Agreement!

When 175 countries and parties officially signed the Paris Agreement on Earth Day this year, it marked a critical moment in the fight to end climate change. But signing the agreement in front of the cameras at the UN was only the first step.

For the Paris Agreement to go into effect, it needs to be formally approved by at least 55 countries that, together, contribute 55 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Which means the world’s biggest emitters, like the US and China, need to get on board.

And now they have.

Today, the US and China – two nations that together make up about 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions – have become the first major economies to formally accept the Paris Agreement.    

The significance of this move to formally accept the Paris Agreement goes beyond each country’s emissions. As the first two large nations to formally accept the Paris Agreement, the US and China have set a model for other countries – both developed and developing – around the world to follow.

There’s still more work to be done, as both countries now have to translate their nationally determined commitments in the agreement into action, including legislation and regulation. But today’s announcement is a big deal – and a big step forward for the planet.

We hope that you’re as excited as we are. With the US and China accepting the agreement, signs are that other major economies will soon begin following suit. To stay connected and hear the latest developments as more nations accept the Paris Agreement, follow Climate Reality on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.