Deutshe Welle reports: “Representatives from nearly 200 countries have met in Peru to begin a 12-day conference on climate change. Scientists warn of catastrophic consequences should global temperatures continue to rise.”  

The piece continues: “The representatives have gathered for the twelve-day UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-20) conference to work towards drafting an agreement that is set to be signed next year in Paris. The agreement would go into effect in the year 2020.”  

“‘We want you to enjoy the hospitality of our country’s people, but at the same time we hope you find the trust, the comfort and the will to attain the concrete compromises that the world needs,’ Peruvian Environment Minister Manuel Pulgar Vidal said as he opened the conference.”  

“He noted that the window was closing in the fight against climate change. ‘We may not allow this chance to slip by,’ he said.”