U.S. embraces its responsibility to stop global warming: Obama
U.S. President Barack Obama and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, representing the two top emitters of greenhouse gases in the world, made a firm commitment at the Paris Climate Change conference on Monday to work for change, and called for an agreement that would cut carbon emissions and pave the way for a global transition to a green economy.
Touching on an emerging issue in climate policy, French President Francois Hollande called for a progressive tax on carbon to reflect its true price, and send the message that there is a cost to emitting greenhouse gases damaging the environment. At the Leaders Event being held for the first time in such talks, Mr. Obama wanted the Paris conference to send the right signal that it means business on encouraging new clean technologies.
Hundreds of billions of dollars were waiting to be deployed internationally to foster green innovation, he said, calling for the right rules and incentives to be put in place to unleash the creative potential of scientists and technologists. A large number of new jobs and new opportunities were waiting to be created.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating the India Pavilion at the COP21 event, said India intended to make massive changes to its energy profile by increasing the share of renewables, achieving 175 GW by 2022.
In a reference to high expectations and difficulties in drafting consensus, Mr. Obama said: “Cynicism is an enemy we will be fighting at this conference.” He also asserted that the U.S. recognised its role as the second highest emitter, and embraced its responsibility to do something about it. America would make its contributions to the developed countries’ fund, he would make a further pledge on Tuesday, and meet the most affected group, the small island states, he said.
