Jill Leaness: What World Leaders are Saying about the Paris Agreement

195 nations signed the Paris Agreement, but what are the leaders of these countries saying?  Does every country have the same optimistic attitude? Most world leaders seem to agree, that while the Paris Agreement is a monumental step in the correct direction, it is the beginning, not the end, of the battle against climate change.  There is still a lot of work to be done as individual countries and as a global community. Here are some quotes from some of the leaders of nations who signed on to the agreement. ​

World Leaders at COP21 From:http://www.theneweconomy.com/energy/indias-climate-policy-under-the-microscope

President of the United States
Barack Obama

"So I believe this moment can be a turning point for the world.  We’ve shown that the world has both the will and the ability to take on this challenge.  It won’t be easy.  Progress won’t always
come quick.  We cannot be complacent."

https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/12/12/statement-president-paris-climate-agreement

Prime Minister of Great Britain
David Cameron

“Britain is already leading the way in work to cut emissions and help less developed countries cut theirs and this global deal now means that the whole world has signed to play its part in halting climate change.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/paris-climate-change-conference/12047133/Final-text-of-climate-deal-to-be-released-imminently.html

Foreign Minister of the Marshall Islands
Tony de Brum

"We have made history, with this agreement I can go back to my people and say we now have a pathway to survival.  Climate change won't stop overnight, and my country is not out of the firing squad yet, but today we all feel a little safer." 

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/cop21-paris-deal-wont-save-low-lying-island-nations-from-rising-sea-levels-kiribati-president-warns-a6773311.html
​
President of China
Xi Jinping

"It should provide a lot of impetus for China's own green, low-carbon development and as we implement it, it will promote our own domestic sustainable development." 

http://thediplomat.com/2015/12/china-celebrates-paris-climate-change-deal/

President of Kirabati 
Anote Tong

"Even with 1.5 degrees, we would still have a problem." 

http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/cop21-paris-deal-wont-save-low-lying-island-nations-from-rising-sea-levels-kiribati-president-warns-a6773311.html

Prime Minister of Canada
Justin Trudeau

"Canadians can be proud of the strong and positive role we played during these very important international negotiations to address one of the biggest challenges of our generation.  There is much tough work that still needs to be accomplished both at home and around the world to implement the agreement." 

http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2015/12/12/statement-prime-minister-canada-successful-conclusion-paris-climate-conference

President of France
Francois Hollande

"The adoption of the global climate agreement gave us all reason to hope.  The international community showed that it was capable of taking charge of its destiny and making serious, credible commitments for future generations." 

http://basedoc.diplomatie.gouv.fr/vues/Kiosque/FranceDiplomatie/kiosque.php?type=baen