Washington: Hillary Clinton praised the international climate accord reached in Paris as a triumph over "climate skeptics," but cautioned that it is just a first step in turning back the "catastrophic consequences" of global warming.
"The Paris agreement is testament to America's ability to lead the world in building a clean energy future where no one is left out or left behind," Clinton said in a statement Saturday, adding that addressing global warming would be a top agenda item if she is elected president next November.
"We will only succeed if we redouble our efforts going forward to drive innovation, increase investment, and reap the benefits of the good-paying jobs that will come from transitioning to a clean energy economy," the Democratic party's presidential frontrunner said.
"The next decade of action is critical because if we do not press forward with driving clean energy growth and cutting carbon pollution across the economy, we will not be able to avoid catastrophic consequences."
Envoys from 195 nations on Saturday approved the historic accord to try to stem global warming, after nearly two weeks of grueling negotiations in Paris.
Clinton, US President Barack Obama's former secretary of state, added: "We cannot afford to be slowed by the climate skeptics or deterred by the defeatists who doubt America's ability to meet this challenge.
"That's why as president, I will make combating climate change a top priority from day one, and secure America's future as the clean energy superpower of the 21st century."
