Marrakesh — UN talks to implement the landmark Paris climate pact opened in Marrakesh on Monday, buoyed by gathering momentum but threatened by the spectre of climate-change denier Donald Trump in the White House. Diplomats from 196 nations are meeting in Morocco to flesh out the planet-saving plan inked in the French capital last December. "We have made possible what everyone said was impossible," said French Environment Minister Segolene Royal at the opening ceremony. Royal announced that 100 countries have ratified the Paris Agreement, which entered into force last Friday, a record time for an international treaty. She appealed to other nations to do so by the end of 2016. Amid growing alarm at the gathering pace of climate change and its effects — rising seas, deadly storms, drought and wildfires — the world’s nations have moved quickly over the last year to tackle the still growing problem. But as 15,000 negotiators, CEOs and activists settle in for the 12-day talks in Marrakes...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.