"An Agreement for Humanity – Statement from Mary Robinson on the Paris Agreement"

…[T]he Paris Agreement adopted tonight provides the opportunity to transform our way of life to one that is…more sustainable.  It establishes the need to keep global temperature rise below 2^OC and closer to 1.5^oC.  It also compels countries to act urgently to increase the capacity of communities to cope with climate change…I am pleased that the agreement is more people centred than its parent Convention…While falling short of adopting a rights based approach…the Paris Agreement recognises the need to respect and promote human rights…As a result, the Agreement and accompanying decision have the potential to set in train the steps needed to protect people living in the most vulnerable situations…By applying this Principle of Climate Justice, ensuring that decisions on climate change are participatory, transparent and accountable; the voices of people in vulnerable situations were heard and will be acted upon…