Obama Urges Leaders to Find Compromise to Avert Climate “Catastrophe”

Warning that the global climate threat could produce “an irreversible catastrophe,” President Obama told world leaders gathered at the United Nations that developed nations should take the lead in finding solutions, but that emerging countries must also be ready to act. And while conceding that the economic recession has added to the challenge, he vowed that the U.S. “will meet our responsibility to future generations.” Obama urged leaders to find a compromise as the world approaches global climate talks in Copenhagen in December. “No nation, however large or small, wealthy or poor, can escape the impact of climate change,” he said. Obama delivered his speech at a time when some international leaders are questioning the U.S. commitment to carbon emissions cuts. Chinese president Hu Jintao also addressed the UN conference, noting that China still lagged behind more developed countries and that had to be taken into account in any plans to cut emissions. “Developing countries need to strike a balance between economic growth, social development, and environmental protection,” Hu said.