Washington/Paris: The world leaders led by US President Barack Obama on Sunday welcomed the adoption of a legally-binding pact seeking to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, calling it a big step forward in securing the planet for future generations. Lauding the efforts of the negotiators in securing the hard-fought deal, Obama said the agreement shows what's possible when nations stand together.
"This agreement represents the best chance we've had to save the one planet we've got. I believe this moment can be a turning point for the world," Obama said in an address to the nation from the White House. "As a result of the climate agreement we can be more confident the Earth will be in better shape," he said. French President Francois Hollande termed the day as a great date for the planet.
"In Paris, there have been many revolutions over the centuries. Today it is the most beautiful and the most peaceful revolution that has just been accomplished," he said. The international deal on limiting climate change represents "a huge step forward in securing the future of the planet", British Prime Minister David Cameron has said. The deal, which attempts to limit the rise in global temperatures to less than 2C, was approved by all 195 countries at a summit in Paris. Cameron said it showed what "unity, ambition and perseverance can do".
German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed the deal, saying it will oblige the entire global community to act against global climate change. "Despite the fact that a great deal of work is still lying ahead, it is a sign of hope that we will be able to preserve conditions for living for billions of people in future," the chancellor stressed.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon termed the agreement as a "monumental triumph" for planet Earth that will set the stage for achieving an end to poverty and development for all. "In the face of an unprecedented challenge, you have demonstrated unprecedented leadership," the UN Secretary General said taking the COP21 stage just minutes after the adoption of the agreement. "You have worked collaboratively to achieve something that no one nation could achieve alone. This is a resounding success for multilateralism."
In a landmark deal, 195 Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change pledged to curb emissions, strengthen resilience and take common climate action. China termed the pact as "a new beginning in international cooperation". The pact is fair in splitting responsibility between developed and developing countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said.
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