Nations near landmark pact on climate change

PARIS: A landmark climate agreement aimed at slowing down global warming appeared poised for approval Saturday with key players like India, US and China approving the final draft of a “historic” measure to save the planet from a catastrophe.

When passed, the Paris agreement will legally bind the world in keeping the planet’s warming “well below” two degree Celsius with an endeavour to limit it to 1.5 degrees, the level scientists say is needed to avert the worst

effects of global warming. The pact also commits $100 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries cope with the problem. It will make it binding for nations to

open their books every five years for scrutiny on their contribution to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

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