The UN COP27 climate summit in Egypt drew praise Sunday for the creation of a "loss and damage" fund to help vulnerable countries cope with the destructive impacts of global warming.
But there was also anger over a failure to push further efforts on cutting emissions to keep alive the aspirational goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels.
Here are some of the reactions:
"This COP has taken an important step towards justice. I welcome the decision to establish a loss and damage fund."
"Clearly, this won't be enough... To have any hope of keeping to 1.5, we need to massively invest in renewables and end our addiction to fossil fuels."
"My friends, we heard the call and we responded."
"Millions around the globe can now sense some glimmer of hope that their suffering will finally be addressed appropriately."
"The establishment of loss & damage fund at the UN climate summit is the first pivotal step towards the goal of climate justice."
"From the bottom of my heart, vinaka vakalevu (thank you very much) to our tireless Pacific negotiators for securing a loss and damage fund at COP27."
"You represent those who stand to lose the most to this crisis, and you have fought the hardest to see climate justice delivered."
"The historic outcome on loss and damage at COP27 shows international cooperation is possible. Equally, the renewed commitment on the 1.5C global warming limit was a source of relief."
"However, none of this changes the fact that the world remains on the brink of climate catastrophe."
"At the beginning of these talks loss and damage was not even on the agenda and now we are making history."
"It just shows that this UN process can achieve results, and that the world can recognise the plight of the vulnerable must not be treated as a political football."
"This loss and damage fund will be a lifeline for poor families whose houses are destroyed, farmers whose fields are ruined, and islanders forced from their ancestral homes."
"What we have in front of us is not enough of a step forward for people and planet. It does not bring enough added efforts for major emitters to increase and accelerate their emissions cuts."
"I want to continue to live in the Maldives. I also want my two-year-old girl to also grow up in the Maldives."
"We are just a metre (about a yard) above sea level. Every fraction of degree in increase in temperature and every millimetre of sea level rise threatens our existence.
"We made it clear over the past two weeks that mitigation ambition (cutting emissions) was a cornerstone of our outcomes here at COP27. I am disheartened we did not get there."
"It was always clear that COP27 would not be easy. When it comes to the result, hope and frustration lie close together."
"We have made a breakthrough on climate justice with a broad coalition of states after years of stagnation."
"It is more than frustrating that... overdue steps to reduce emissions and phase out fossil fuels were prevented. As a result, the world is losing precious time on the path to 1.5 degrees."
"The COP27 agreement may not meet the ambitions of France and the European Union, but it preserves the most vital thing: It underlines the aim of limiting global warming to 1.5C and urges countries to make extra efforts from 2023."
"Emissions peaking before 2025, as the science tells us, is necessary. Not in this text. Clear follow-through on the phase-down of coal. Not in this text. A clear commitment to phase out all fossil fuels. Not in this text. And the energy text, weakened, in the final minutes.
"Each of us will have to explain that, to our citizens, to the world's most vulnerable countries and communities, and ultimately to the children and grandchildren to whom many of us now go home.
© Agence France-Presse
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