About 150 world leaders have gathered in Paris for a critical UN conference aimed at agreeing on a new global approach to climate change.
The meeting, known as COP21, would see negotiators from 195 countries attempt to finalize a new treaty over the next two weeks.
Political leaders from 147 countries would also address the conference on Monday.
But the poorest countries say they fear being “left behind” in the push to agree on a deal.
Meanwhile, authorities have clamped down on anti-global warming demonstrations in the city out of security concerns.
The COP21, kicks off under the spectre of the November 13 terror attacks in Paris that killed 130 people, and world leaders will observe a moment of silence in honour of the victims.
Obama Pays Respects At Bataclan Theatre
Meanwhile, the U.S President Barack Obama has visited the scene of the Bataclan Theatre attack in Paris, after arriving in the city for the UN Climate Change Summit.
Accompanied by French President, Francois Hollande and Paris Mayor, Anne Hidalgo, he laid a single white rose at the venue where 90 people were killed.
Security was stepped up for the visit, with helicopters flying overhead and roads in the area sealed off.
The attacks in Paris – claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group – on November 13 left 130 people dead and more than 360 wounded.
