STATEMENT: KEN BERLIN, PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE CLIMATE REALITY PROJECT, ON THE PARIS AGREEMENT POISED TO GO INTO EFFECT

Today, the European Union took final steps toward formally accepting the Paris Agreement and announced it will join the agreement next week, meaning that more than 55 countries representing 55 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions will have formally joined the Paris Agreement, surpassing the threshold necessary for it to enter into force. Ken Berlin, president & CEO, The Climate Reality Project, issued a statement on the Paris Agreement’s impending entry into force:

September 30, 2016

“This is the moment we earned the right to look our grandchildren in the eye and say that finally, we are rising to meet the challenge of our time. Today, the European Union made the necessary moves to ensure that next week the threshold will be passed for the Paris Agreement to officially enter into force, marking a momentous milestone in a journey that began more than two decades ago at the Rio Earth Summit. For the first time in human history, the planet has not only the framework to reduce global carbon emissions, but also the instruments to ensure countries achieve their climate action commitments.

“The Climate Reality Project applauds all countries that have officially joined the Paris Agreement for their leadership and commitment to making climate action a reality in every corner of the globe. We hope to see the number of nations joining continue to increase over the coming weeks and months.

“The Paris Agreement is a shining example of what can be achieved when leaders, activists, and citizens across the world listen to and cooperate with each other in peace and with a positive vision for the future. Though our work is far from done, we are incredibly excited and energized by this progress and remain as committed as ever to solving the climate crisis.”