"US and China Lead Push To Bring Paris Climate Deal Into Force Early"

"Early start date would add momentum for deeper emissions cuts and lock a future US president into the deal for four years".

"The US and China are leading a push to bring the Paris climate accord into force much faster than even the most optimistic projections – aided by a typographical glitch in the text of the agreement.

More than 150 governments, including 40 heads of state, are expected at a symbolic signing ceremony for the agreement at the United Nations on 22 April, which is Earth Day.

It’s the largest one-day signing of any international agreement, according to the UN.

But leaders will really be looking to see which countries go beyond mere ceremony and legally join the agreement, which would bind them to the promises made in Paris last December to keep warming below the agreed target of 2C."

Suzanne Goldenberg reports for the Guardian April 18, 2016.