The Paris Agreement on climate change has been signed by the Environment Minister on behalf of Ireland.

Minister Alan Kelly signed the agreement at a special ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The Paris Agreement was adopted by all 196 Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris on 12 December 2015. All countries agreed to work together to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts for a 1.5°C target.

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Minister Kelly said: "The Paris Agreement represents a major milestone in the collective response to the impacts of climate change and importantly, sends an unequivocal message to business, stakeholders and citizens that all Governments are committed to playing their part in addressing the challenges posed by climate change."

The early signature of the Paris Agreement by the European Union and its Member States, including Ireland, supports the international momentum and engagement from world leaders generated in the build-up to December 2015.

(CD/MH)