UN environment chief hails Paris climate agreement

Achim Steiner, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), heralded the historic Paris climate agreement on Saturday that saw 195 countries reach a universal deal to reduce carbon emissions and prevent catastrophic global warming.

"The Paris Agreement is probably the most important international agreement in history. Nations of the world have underlined that climate change is a threat to the security and prosperity of all societies, and can only be addressed through unity of purpose. A sustainable future benefits all of humanity.

The deal was agreed at the COP21 United Nations climate summit in the French capital after 13 days of negotiations from UN member states.

Mr Steiner added: "This agreement is a testament to the ability of our societies to set aside differences and confront collective challenges for the global good. Importantly, the agreement has provisions to protect the most vulnerable. Fairness and equity are at the heart of this accord.

UN member states submitted climate plans know as Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs)in the build up to the COP21 conference and the newly agreed deal binds these pledges together within a framework that will include monitoring and verification as well as financial and technical assistance for developing nations.

Mr Steiner continued: "Governments have sent a signal to the private sector that the momentum toward sustainability cannot be stopped. This is what the world needed to see… Above all, we have given future generations hope instead of doom and gloom… Now that negotiations have concluded, our work continues. We must focus on implementing the solutions that drive an inclusive green economy, including renewable energy, green finance initiatives, and sustainability in transport, construction and other sectors.”

The agreement is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the average rise in global temperatures to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times.

French Foreign Minister and President of the COP21 conference Laurent Fabius, praised the new deal as a “historical turning point” that could help the world to avoid catastrophic effects of climate change.

Mr Steiner, who is Under-Secretary-General and head of UNEP, said: "However, in the days after Paris, we can reflect on the incredible progress we've made in only 23 short years. This is progress through compromise that the entire world can celebrate. Climate change creates enormous problems for our planet. But by bringing the world together it has driven cooperation and collective action on a scale few would have imagined possible a year ago… I congratulate Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres, Minister Fabius, all governments and civil society for their hard work, determination, and commitment to a future that puts the planet and its peoples first."