World leaders opened an historic summit in the French capital on Monday aimed at ending decades of political gridlock and forging an elusive agreement to avert calamitous global warming.
World leaders opened an historic summit in the French capital on Monday aimed at ending decades of political gridlock and forging an elusive agreement to avert calamitous global warming.
The leaders kicked off 12 days of negotiations in search of a pact that would radically restructure the global economy away from its dependency on fossil fuels that are blamed for climate change.
More than 150 leaders gathered at a sprawling conference centre on the northern outskirts of Paris under heavy security following this month's terror attacks in the city, which appeared to have galvanized commitment for climate action.
Scientists warn that, unless action is taken soon, mankind will endure ever-worsening catastrophic events, such as droughts that will lead to conflict and rising sea levels that will wipe out low-lying island nations.
But world leaders have also vowed to forge an ambitious deal to honor the 130 people killed in the November 13 attacks that were claimed by the Islamic State group.
"The fate of humanity is at stake in this conference. After the attacks in France, we have to deal with the urgent priorities and respond to the terrorist challenge but also act for the long term," French President Francois Hollande said.
In an interview with French daily newspaper "20 minutes", Hollande said leaders would meet in Paris "to reaffirm their solidarity with France" and to "assume their responsibilities in the face of the warming of the planet".
"History will judge the heads of state and government harshly if, in December 2015, they miss this opportunity."
US President Barack Obama's first act after touching down in Paris early on Monday was to visit the scene of the worst carnage at the Bataclan concert venue.
The summit is "an opportunity to stand in solidarity with our oldest ally... and reaffirm our commitment to protect our people and our way of life from terrorist threats," Obama said in a Facebook post before flying to Paris.
