Climate talks in Paris make progress towards COP21 deal

Environment ministers have made progress at talks to prepare for a global climate deal to be signed at a key UN conference in Paris in December, according to French foreign minister Laurent Fabius.

In a statement Fabius (pictured) said: "The meeting was constructive…our goal is ambitious, but I am confident."

Ministerial delegations from 46 nations met in the French capital on Monday and Tuesday for informal talks on a UN-led international agreement to limit average global temperature increases scheduled to be signed at the UN Climate Change Conference in December.

Laurence Tubiana, France’s chief climate official, highlighted the progress made on moves to ensure all countries assess and review their carbon reduction every five years.

In a post-summit press conference.Tubiana said  “This is a breakthrough...That was not obvious to get...There are still a lot of details to be worked out, but the idea of everyone accepting to be verified within a common framework is very significant.”