In New York today 175 nations signed the Paris climate accord reached last December.

That is far more than had done so on a single day for any previous global agreement — but it still is also only a step toward the accord becoming international law.

For that to happen, at least 55 countries representing at least 55% of global emissions have to formally “join” or approve it within their national governments, some by executive action, others through legislative action. That process alone could take into 2017, though U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry suggested late Friday that the goal could be within reach this year. The United States plans to join the agreement this year, by executive action.

One more reason why it’s so important for the Democrats to win the Presidential election this fall and to flip the Senate and as many House seats as possible. A Republican win would probably mean a reversal of the actions this Administration takes to meet its obligations, since that party refuses to acknowledge that climate change is even occurring.