PARIS - At the end of the first day of the Climate Change Summit in Paris, Samantha Smith, Climate and Energy Initiative Leader WWF International, made the following statement:

"It is unprecedented that 150 world leaders are here in Paris today to make history in the fight against climate change. This is strong evidence that climate change is at the top of the political agenda.

"Through their opening speeches, the leaders injected political energy at the start of the negotiations, giving negotiators a mandate to leave Paris with clear steps to close the emissions gap, protect vulnerable communities and ensure that the resources needed to tackle climate change are available."

"Most importantly, we heard loud and clear from the heads of state that the needs of groups vulnerable to the impacts of climate change must be at the center of the agreement reached in Paris. We also heard from almost all developing countries that discussions on equality and equity are key to driving much of the progress."

"India brought the most meaningful news today with a clear game-changing announcement through plans for a new solar alliance to provide access to solar energy for the poor. This collaboration, which will span nearly 100 countries and impact billions of people, is proof that it is possible to tackle climate change and poverty simultaneously.

"Ultimately, the global agreement in Paris should accelerate the energy transformation that has already begun to take place thanks to surging renewable energy markets, the commitments of big business, and the concrete actions of cities, community groups and individuals.

"The world is ready to move. Through last weekend's hundreds of movements and mass mobilizations around the world calling for action on climate change, governments have the support they need to go further."

""The real work starts now."

WWF believes that in order to maximize the results to be achieved in Paris, the new global deal must be:

1. Create a plan to close the ambition gap, including funding and other support to accelerate concrete action beyond commitments already made;
2. Provide support to vulnerable countries to withstand the impacts of climate change and address unavoidable damages;
3. Clearly set a long-term goal for 2050 to move away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy and sustainable land use;

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More information:

(Paris) Nyoman Iswarayoga, Director of Communication & Advocacy WWF Indonesia
E: niswarayoga@wwf.or.id T: 0811 1284 868

(Jakarta) Indra Sari Wardhani, Climate and Energy Manager - WWF Indonesia
E: iwardhani@wwf.or.id T: 0811 1847 095