China and US ratify Paris climate change deal

[rooster59]

China and US ratify Paris climate change deal

 

 

The world’s two biggest polluters, China and the US, have both ratified the Paris climate change agreement.

 

President’s Xi Jingping and Barack Obama announced the move on Saturday ahead of a G20 summit in the city of Hangzhou.

 

The ratification is seen as a key step in efforts to bring the deal into force by the end of the year.

 

In a speech in Hangzhou, President Obama said: “Now just as I believe the Paris Agreement will ultimately prove to be a turning point for our planet, I believe that history will judge today’s efforts as pivotal. As the world’s two largest economies and two largest emitters, our entrance into this agreement continues the momentum of Paris and should give the rest of the world confidence – whether developed or developing countries – that a low-carbon future is where the world is heading,”

 

China and the US together total around 40 percent of the world’s carbon emissions.

 

The Paris pact was sealed last December and seeks to stop average temperatures rising above 2C compared to pre-industrial levels.

 

To take effect it needs the participation of 55 countries, representing 55 percent of global emissions.

 

 

-- © Copyright Euronews 2016-09-04

[CaptHaddock]

Unfortunately, despite what this article claims, the US Senate, which has the sole power to ratify treaties in the US, has not ratified it, nor will they as long as the Republicans control, which may not be that long.

[canopus1969]

From the look on Xi Jingping face Obama is squeezing too hard  

[Usernames]

And China will continue to do what it wants and cheat as much as it likes.

[Rancid]

Yes at the time of signing the air in Beijing was rated at unhealthy. Probably best not to confuse politicians taking photo opportunities with any actual intention to do anything.

[Caveat Emptor]

Another major international conference so there must be grand remarks and claims and that's about it.

[Brer Fox]

Nice to know that  supreme beings President’s Xi Jingping and Barack Obama with a shake of hands have now stopped the World's climate from changing. Al Gore will be dancing in the streets and opening his wallet ready for another inflow of cash.

Mother Nature and the various Gods need to take note and adjust accordingly. They have no further role to play in relation to this matter.

[MajarTheLion]

14 hours ago, CaptHaddock said:

Unfortunately, despite what this article claims, the US Senate, which has the sole power to ratify treaties in the US, has not ratified it, nor will they as long as the Republicans control, which may not be that long.

 

Even if Republican don't control the Senate, it is not likely 67 US Senators will vote for this.

 

What a shame so few people are even aware of the Senate needing to ratify treaties anymore. It hasn't been mentioned in either of the two articles I've read on this. Thus, this photo op means little to nothing.