President Barack Obama, who made tackling climate change one of his key priorities of his time in office has hailed the Paris agreement.
“Together, we’ve shown what’s possible when the world stands as one,” he said. “We met the moment.”
While he saw the agreement as a global achievement, he emphasised what had been accomplished by America since he entered the White House.
“Over the last seven years we transformed the United States into the world leader in fighting climate change.”
The US had led by example with historic investments in low carbon technology.
“Sceptics said these actions would kill jobs, instead we have seen the longest streak of private sector job creation in our history,” he added.
But the task of dealing with global warming was one for the entire international community.
“No nation, not even one as powerful as ours can solve this challenge alone, and no country no matter how small can afford to sit on the sidelines.”
Sounding a note of caution, he continued: “We cannot be complacent about today’s agreement. The problem is not solved because of this accord.”
The pact sent out a powerful signal that the world was committed to a low carbon future.
“This agreement represents the best chance we have to save the one planet we have got.
“I believe this agreement can be a turning point for the world,” he said.
“We may not live to see the full realisation of our achievement.
“What matters is today we can be confident that this planet will be in better shape for the next generation and that is what I care about.”