Our best chance to save the one planet we have: Obama

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 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. British Prime Minister David Cameron said the deal on limiting climate change represents a huge step forward in securing the future of the planet. German Chancellor Angela Merkel felt the deal will oblige the entire global community to act against global climate change. 

China’s Special Representative on Climate Change Xie Zhenhua said the agreement is not perfect, “but it does not stop us from moving a historical step forwards.” He called on developed countries to abide by their promises to provide finance, technology development and transfer, and capacity building to developing countries. Russia’s envoy said the deal is a significant progress in curbing climate issues, but said it requires a serious work on its implementation.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon termed the deal a “monumental triumph” for planet Earth. “It sets the stage for progress in ending poverty, strengthening peace and ensuring a life of dignity and opportunity for all.” 

Recalling that he made climate change one of the defining priorities of his tenure, Ban said that most of all, he has listened to people - the young, the poor and the vulnerable, including indigenous peoples, from every corner of the globe. “They seek protection from the perils of a warming planet, and the opportunity to live in a safer, more bountiful world,” he said. Turning to the agreement itself, the Secretary-General said negotiators reached “solid results on all key points,” with an agreement that demonstrates solidarity and “is ambitious, flexible, credible and durable.”