Historical step toward low-carbon future

The 196 parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change made the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris a milestone in the world's endeavors to build a low-carbon future.

While applauding the unprecedented strong commitment that the international community has made to confront the threat of climate change, we urge all policymakers to spare no efforts to ensure as early and full as possible implementation of the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution of all nations, large or small, developed or developing.

It is no exaggeration to call the Paris deal an achievement unthinkable in the climate change talks over the past two decades. As UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon pointed out, "For the first time, every country in the world has pledged to curb emissions, strengthen resilience, and join in common cause to take climate action." But high hopes and widespread optimism do not guarantee that the current momentum is unstoppable, especially given the dim global growth prospects and increasing instability in international relations.