3 September 2016, Nairobi - UN Environment head Erik Solheim released the following statement in reaction to the joint announcement by China and the United States on the ratification of the Paris Agreement.

“This announcement is hugely important. The leadership of China and the United States is crucial to taking the Paris Agreement forward. They bring significant additional momentum to keeping global warming under 2 degrees.

“And by putting the well-being of our planet at the top of the agenda, the two largest economies in the world are also showing that our economic future is low-carbon and green.

“The fight against climate change remains difficult and urgent, but having heavy-hitters like China and the US on your side is extremely heartening.”