UPDATE  The Paris Climate Change Agreement has been ratified on November  4th

The European Parliament has this morning approved the fast-track ratification of the Paris Agreement, clearing the way for the historic treaty to enter force in time for the next UN climate summit in Marrakech next month. In the presence of European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, the United Nation’s Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the President of COP 21 Ségolène Royal, the European Union today voted to approve the ratification of the treaty, which commits the world to limiting global warming to “well below” two degrees.

The deal, secured in the French capital last December, comes into force 30 days after it has been ratified by at least 55 countries accounting for 55% of the world’s emissions. Already 62 countries accounting for 51.89% of global emissions, had ratified the deal, and the EU’s move to ratify means its 12% of global emissions will ensure the second threshold is met.

The UK has confirmed it will ratify the Paris Agreement by the end of 2016 subject to Parliamentary approval. In her maiden speech at the United Nations general assembly in New York, Theresa May promised that the UK would “play [it’s] part in the international effort against climate change,” by joining the likes of the US and China in officially ratifying the deal. “In a demonstration of our commitment to the agreement reached in Paris, the UK will start its domestic procedures to enable ratification of the Paris agreement and complete these before the end of the year,” May said.