Commitment urged to global efforts against climate change

World leaders strongly called here Tuesday for real moves to combat climate change after the Paris Agreement's entry into force.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the 1st Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA1), Moroccan King Mohammed VI called for work on translating climate change commitment into actions.

He called on the parties to provide developing countries, especially the least developed ones, with urgent financial and technical support to enhance their capacities to adapt to climate change.

Developed countries mobilizing 100 billion U.S. dollars by 2020 is the key to the Paris Agreement, he said, adding that all the parties should get involved in facilitating the transfer of technology, and working for the development of climate related research and innovation.

French President Francois Hollande told the ceremony that that France will launch first sovereign bond in energy transition.

The world is moving toward a low-carbon model as renewable energies now account for 90 percent of power generation, he said.

"The Paris Agreement is irreversible. Climate urgency didn't stop in Paris," Hollande said. "Inaction on climate change would be unacceptable, and dangerous to peace."

He called for persistency and perseverance, because the agreement "works for everybody, belongs to everybody, is in the interest of everybody."

Referring to the climate cooperation with the United States, Hollande said France will lead the dialogue with Washington and president-elect Donald Trump.

"The United States must respect the commitments they have undertaken. It's not only their duty. It's in their interest," the French president stressed.

He also said France would reduce its emissions by 40 percent by 2030, and 80 percent by 2050, noting worries of parties hesitating to sign the agreement about whether developed countries would fulfill their commitments.

Also addressing the ceremony, United Nations Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon hailed the Paris Agreement as "one of the most complex and ambitious and far-reaching vision ever reached by the international community."

The Paris Agreement entered into force on Nov. 4, years ahead of expectations. So far 110 countries have ratified, accounting for more than 75 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.

"Now we have to translate these words into concrete, effective policies and actions," Ban said. "The quicker we act, the more we gain." Endit