"UNITED NATIONS -- In the end, the two most important world leaders at the first-ever U.N. Summit on Climate Change didn't say enough to satisfy supporters or quell critics.

President Obama, taking the dais before more than 100 heads of state, pledged that the United States would help lead the world in permanently reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Chinese President Hu Jintao announced that his country would cut carbon intensity by a 'notable margin' per unit of economic growth.

Both speeches, closely watched and hotly anticipated, did win praise in some quarters. And many said simply the fact that dozens of leaders publicly vowed action on emissions may inject new momentum into the global climate change negotiations. Indeed, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who convened the summit, declared the meeting a success."

Lisa Friedman, Nathaniel Gronewold and Christa Marshall report for ClimateWire in the New York Times September 23, 2009. [2]

See Also:

"Obama, China Vow Urgent Action on Climate Change" (AP) [3]

"Obama Speaks on Climate at the U.N." (Dot Earth/NY Times) [4]