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.”

Fiji first country to back Paris climate agreement

Fiji has become the first country in the world to formally approve the UN climate deal agreed by 195 nations in Paris in December.

The island nation’s parliament unanimously agreed to ratify the Paris agreement on Friday, according to local news reports.

The motion was proposed by the country’s attorney general, Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum. He told parliament that it would need to ratify the treaty ahead of a signing ceremony in April in New York, where Fiji’s Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, will formally sign the document on behalf of the country.

Read The Guardian story - “Fiji becomes first country in the world to ratify Paris agreement.”