Obama: ‘World Needs…Ambitious, Long-Term Agreement to Protect This Earth for Our Kids’

from CNSnews:

In his weekly statement released today, President Barack Obama said the world needs a climate-change deal to protect the planet for our children and cited Pope Francis in reminding Americans that “this planet is a gift from God.

Obama pointed to the United Nations climate change conference that will convene in Paris at the end of November as an opportunity to forge such a deal.

“Because America is leading by example, 150 countries, representing over 85% of global emissions, have now laid out plans to reduce their levels of the harmful carbon pollution that warms our planet,” Obama said. “And it gives us great momentum going into Paris this December, where the world needs to come together and build on these individual commitments with an ambitious, long-term agreement to protect this Earth for our kids.”

In concluding his remarks, Obama cited Pope Francis.

“After all, as Pope Francis reminds us so eloquently, this planet is a gift from God–and our common home,” said Obama. “We should leave it to our kids in better shape than we found it.”

Here is the complete text of the president’s weekly address: 

Hi, everybody.  Our country is home to some of the most beautiful God-given landscapes in the world.  We’re blessed with natural treasures – from the Grand Tetons to the Grand Canyon; from lush forests and vast deserts to lakes and rivers teeming with wildlife.  And it’s our responsibility to protect these treasures for future generations, just as previous generations protected them for us. 

Since taking office, I’ve set aside more than 260 million acres of public lands and waters – more than any President in history.  Last month, we announced that 11 states had come together with ranchers, and industry groups to protect a threatened species – the sage grouse – without jeopardizing local economies.  Two weeks ago, we announced that we’re creating one new marine sanctuary on the Potomac River in Maryland, and another along Lake Michigan in Wisconsin – part of unprecedented efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay and the Great Lakes.  We also joined a coalition of countries cracking down on illegal fishing that threatens jobs and food security around the globe. And I’m going to keep protecting the places that make America special, and the livelihoods of those who depend on them. 

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