With the climate deal signed, now for the hard work!

UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon - he's
urged countries to accelerate climate plans.

China challenged fellow G20 members to formally approve the Paris Agreement on climate change by September, as 175 countries signed the UN pact in New York on Friday.

The strong show of support for a deal to end the era of fossil fuels was welcomed by an emotional UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon, who urged countries to accelerate their climate plans.

France president Francois Hollande described the signing as “more than a commitment”, promising that his government would see the deal ratified before summer.

On a day full of symbolism, it was China’s call for countries to formally approve the deal within months that underlined Beijing’s desire to be seen as leader in this issue.

Vice premier Zhang Gaoli outlined plans for a greenhouse gas emissions peak earlier than its 2030 target, and urged other major economies to join the agreement this year.

Read the Climate Home story - “UN record as 175 countries sign climate deal, but hard graft remains.”