As many as 170 countries are expected to sign the Paris Agreement on climate change on Friday as the landmark deal takes a key step toward entering into force years ahead of schedule.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry joins dozens of world leaders for a signing ceremony that is expected to set a record for international diplomacy. Never have so many countries signed an agreement on the first available day. States that do not sign on Friday have a year to do so.
Many now expect the climate agreement to enter into force long before the original deadline of 2020. Some say it could happen this year. After signing, countries must formally approve the Paris Agreement through their domestic procedures.
