(CNN) — President Barack Obama said Monday at the opening of a major climate summit in Paris that combating climate change will prove to be a rebuttal of terrorist efforts.
“What greater rejection of those who would tear down our world than marshaling our best efforts to save it,” Obama said at the COP21 conference, held outside the French capital, where 130 people were killed in coordinated terror attacks on November 13.
“We have come to Paris to show our resolve,” Obama added, saying he offered condolences to the French people.
“We stand united in solidarity, not only to deliver justice to the terrorist network responsible for those attacks but to protect our people and uphold the enduring values that keep us strong and keep us free,” Obama said. “We salute the people of Paris for insisting this crucial conference go on.”
In a message to developing countries, Obama also said that the United States recognizes its role in contributing to climate change.
“I’ve come here personally as the leader of the world’s largest economy and the second largest emitter, to say that the United States of America not only recognizes our role in creating this problem, we embrace our responsibility to do something about it,” Obama said.
Obama cited new investments in clean energy and greater reliance on green technology as examples of U.S. commitments toward reducing carbon emissions.
“What this means can’t be overstated,” Obama said. “We have broken the old arguments for inaction. We’ve proved that strong economic growth and a safer environment no longer have to conflict with one another.”
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