The difference between signing and ratifying
Before a treaty enters into force, becomes legally binding, or comes into effect, it has to be signed then ratified.
The former signals agreement with the terms and expresses the country’s intention to comply. This expression of intent, in itself, is not binding. It needs to be followed with ratification, which refers to individual countries granting approval through their particular political processes and notifying the other parties of their consent to be bound by the provisions of the treaty.
In Jamaica, for example, parliament would have to pass a Bill.
The Paris Agreement will enter into force once 55 parties representing at least 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions ratify the treaty. So far, 16 countries, representing 0.04 per cent of emissions, have ratified.
