"UNITED NATIONS -- An agreement to fight global warming came one step closer to taking effect on Wednesday when dozens of countries deposited their ratification of the deal at the United Nations, taking the total to 60, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said.

The deal, agreed by nearly 200 countries in Paris last December, needs ratification by at least 55 countries representing 55 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions to take effect. Ban said the 60 countries represented more than 47.5 percent.

The United Nations said 14 countries, representing 12.58 percent of emissions, have committed to joining the agreement in 2016, which would allow the threshold of 55 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions to be reached."

Michelle Nichols and Valerie Volcovici report for Reuters September 21, 2016. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Paris Climate Deal Passes Milestone as 20 More Nations Sign On" (New York Times) [3]

"Theresa May: UK To Ratify Paris Climate Change Deal This Year" (Guardian) [4]

"Obama Appeals For Climate Investment In Valedictory UN Speech" (Climate Home) [5]