Nations Set to Finalize “Powerful” Climate Document in Paris

By Cheri Cheng - 12 Dec '15 09:53AM

Delegates from around the world are very close to finalizing the first-ever world-changing climate deal, which would force almost every single country in the world to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"It is rare to have an opportunity to change the world," French President Francois Hollande said reported by USA TODAY. "You have it and you must grasp it."

According to several reports, the delegates reviewed the final draft of the agreement on Saturday evening in Paris at the United Nations climate conference. The draft, which was the fourth one that was created this week, could either be voted on for approval or brought back to the table for more renegotiations. For the deal to be approved, at least 55 countries that represent 55 percent of the global gas emissions for the world must agree to sign on.

"Our text is the best possible balance, a balance which is powerful yet delicate, which will enable each delegation, each group of countries, with his head held high, having achieved something important," Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius from France, who presided over the negotiations, added, reported by the New York Times.

Expert Jennifer Morgan, from the World Resources Institute, commented, "Anything could happen. I'll be holding my breath until the gavel comes down."

The deal will require richer nations to step up and help low-income nations with adopting climate change policies. It also included a goal of keeping global warming within 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) and a target of 1.5 degree Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit).

"By including a long-term temperature goal of below 2 degrees of warming with a reference to a 1.5-degree goal, the latest draft text sends a strong signal that governments are committed to being in line with science," said Tasneem Essop of World Wide Fund for Nature. "What we need now is for their actions, including emission reductions and finance, to add up to delivering on that goal."

For more information on the landmark deal, read the final draft here.