Nations Approve Landmark Climate Accord in Paris Coral Davenport - The New York Times
go to original December 13, 2015

Obama delivered remarks from the White House Saturday evening on the signing of the climate change accord in Paris. (White House/CCTV)

With the sudden bang of a gavel Saturday night, representatives of 195 nations reached a landmark accord that will, for the first time, commit nearly every country to lowering planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions to help stave off the most drastic effects of climate change.

The deal, which was met with an eruption of cheers and ovations from thousands of delegates gathered from around the world, represents a historic breakthrough on an issue that has foiled decades of international efforts to address climate change.

Traditionally, such pacts have required developed economies like the United States to take action to lower greenhouse gas emissions, but they have exempted developing countries like China and India from such obligations.

The accord, which United Nations diplomats have been working toward for nine years, changes that dynamic by requiring action in some form from every country, rich or poor.

Continue reading the main story “This is truly a historic moment,” the United Nations secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, said in an interview. “For the first time, we have a truly universal agreement on climate change, one of the most crucial problems on earth.”

Read the rest at The New York Times

Related: Paris Climate Agreement Explained: What it Means for Latin America (Natural Resources Defense Council)

Related: Protesters Are in Agreement as Well: Pact Is Too Weak (The New York Times)

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