Last week Australia’s government ratified the Paris Agreement, becoming the 105th country to commit to reducing global carbon emissions. Australia, the world’s 13th largest economy representing 1.46% of global emissions, intends to reduce emissions 26-28% from a 2005 baseline by 2030. The Australian Parliament was unable to ratify the Agreement in advance of it going into force as it was unable to start deliberations until after federal elections in July of this year. The government is, however, optimistic that this commitment will create opportunities for Australian businesses in science, research, and innovation. While the world waits to see if the United States remains a party to the Agreement—which, according to the terms of the agreement, no country can withdraw from until 2020—the Australian government has articulated its commitment to moving forward even if the United States withdraws. For the full story, see http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/turnbull-government-ignoring-trump-election-proceeds-with-paris-climate-agreement-ratification-20161110-gsm5m1.html and http://www.skynews.com.au/news/top-stories/2016/11/10/australia-ratifies-paris-climate-agreement.html.