Paris pact will secure earth for future, says Obama as world leaders hail deal

The agreement represents "a huge step forward in securing the future of the planet," British Prime Minister David Cameron said.

U.S. President Barack Obama delivers a statement on the climate agreement at the White House in Washington. Photo: Reuters

Within four weeks of its setting the >tragic backdrop of a global partnership against terrorism, Paris united the world again, this time to fight the bigger threat of climate change, as world leaders hailed the >new climate deal by 195 countries.

U.S. President Barack Obama on Sunday called it a big step forward in securing the planet for future generations and said the agreement showed what was possible when nations stood 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,” he said. “As a result of the climate agreement, we can be more confident the earth will be in better shape.”

>Also read: Paris deal may bind India on emissions data

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has only recently acknowledged the climate change threat, and Chinese President Xi Jinping whose joint statement with Mr. Obama in November 2014 set the tone for the Paris deal, did not personally react to the agreement.

Representatives of both countries welcomed it.

“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,” French President Francois Hollande said.

The agreement represents “a huge step forward in securing the future of the planet,” British Prime Minister David Cameron said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the deal would oblige the entire global community to act against climate change.