UK Signs 'Historic' Paris Agreement On Climate Change

The UK has signed a document to secure a global deal to fight climate change amid controversy over Donald Trump's attitude towards carbon fuels.

The Paris Agreement came into force on November 4 when more than 55 countries representing more than 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions ratified the deal.

Christian Aid/Andrew Testa

"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," said Nick Hurd, Minister of State for Climate Change and Industry.

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

The European Union ratified the agreement in October but individual member states had to get parliamentary approval for ratification in their own countries.

On Novemeber 15 the 21-day period for parliamentary scrutiny in Britain expired with no objections.

Representatives from nearly 200 countries are meeting in Marrakesh, Morocco, until Friday, to work on the details of the deal and a "rule book" for its implementation.

International development agency Tearfund's advocacy director Paul Cook said: "We congratulate the UK Government on ratifying the Paris Agreement - this is a historic moment, which we, and our supporters have campaigned for tirelessly.

"Tearfund works with some of the world's poorest people and we have seen first hand how climate change destroys their lives, businesses and futures.

"It is essential that the Government now forms a concrete and ambitious plan to reduce emissions and keep global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees."

Additional reporting by Reuters.