UK ratifies Paris climate accord

LONDON: Britain has completed the ratification process of the Paris Agreement to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, officials said on Friday.

The Paris agreement provides a framework for governments, businesses and investors to keep global warming well below 2°C, pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C.

Welcoming the completion of the parliamentary process that facilitated ratification, business secretary Greg Clark said: “The Paris Agreement sends a clear signal that cutting emissions globally will not only help countries respond to the impact of climate change, but it is also compatible with economic growth.”

Nick Hurd, minister of state for climate change and industry, said: “The UK is ratifying the historic Paris Agreement so that we can help to accelerate global action on climate change and deliver on our commitments to create a safer, more prosperous future for us all.”

Hurd has been negotiating for the UK and promoting British business at the 22nd United Nations climate change Conference of the Parties (COP22) in Marrakesh

COP22 in Marrakesh, Hurd said, was an important milestone that marked the shift from aspiration to implementation.

“We are going to use this positive momentum to grow the UK low-carbon sector, which is already worth over £46 billion, as we continue to provide secure, affordable and clean energy to our families and businesses,” he added.

Nearly 200 nations agreed around midnight on Friday to work out the rules for the climate deal in a new sign of international support for a pact opposed by president-elect Donald Trump.

Showing determination to keep the Paris Agreement on track, the conference agreed to work out a rule book at the latest by December 2018.

NICK HURD, British minister of state for climate change and industry We will use this positive momentum to grow the UK lowcarbon sector, which is already worth over £46 billion, as we continue to provide secure, affordable and clean energy