Over 165 countries to sign Paris climate treaty

Prime Minister Joseph and Environment Minister Leo Brincat are amongst the delegates from more than 165 nations at the United Nations in New York to sign a historic deal to slow down climate change.

A #Mediterranean meet up with @matteorenzi @SalamTammam and @LeoBrincat prior to #ParisAgreement opening ceremony-JM pic.twitter.com/cRXpBVikKD

— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) April 22, 2016

In what is the first significant step to putting the Paris Climate Agreement into practice, the meeting has attracted a record turnout. Indeed, a signature from all the states represented will break the record for the most countries to endorse a UN international accord on day one.

Trudeau & Renzi make two imp points @UN climate accord -making the unthinkable unstoppable + turning a place of division into one of vision

— leo brincat (@LeoBrincat) April 22, 2016

Many nations still need to hold a parliamentary vote to formally ratify the pact. To enter into force, it needs the approval of 55 percent of states.

Signatures not enough to stop #climatechange as #ParisAgreement signed https://t.co/hEsr8qILEu #keepitintheground pic.twitter.com/h0aQ3HSVal

— Friends of the Earth (@foeeurope) April 22, 2016