With their very existence under threat from climate change, the world's island states come to the United Nations on Friday not only to sign the Paris climate deal but to be first in line to make sure it goes into force. Led by Fiji, at least nine islands will formally present their ratification of the agreement to the United Nations, moving quickly to the next stage in a bid to bind countries to their commitments to tackle global warming.

Islands ready for climate agreement. (2016, April 22). Manila Standard, p. B6.