Paris climate agreement becomes international law

So far, 96 countries, accounting for just over two thirds of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, have formally joined the accord.

United Nations:

The Paris Agreement to combat climate change becomes international law on Friday, a landmark that the United Nations says signals the beginning of a new chapter for humankind and demonstrates that countries are serious about addressing global warming.

So far, 96 countries, accounting for just over two thirds of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, have formally joined the accord which seeks limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Many more countries are expected to come aboard the coming weeks and months.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon plans to commemorate "this historic day for both the people and the planet" by holding a conversation on Friday with civil society organizations about how they can contribute to the objectives of the Paris agreement.