US President Barack Obama has said the UN climate conference in Paris could be a "turning point" in global efforts to limit future temperature rises, the BBC reported Monday.

Negotiators from 195 countries will try to reach a deal within two weeks aimed at reducing global carbon emissions and limiting global warming to 2C (3.6F).

Leaders from 147 nations are addressing the meeting, known as COP21.

President Obama urged negotiators to deliver a meaningful deal, because the "next generation is watching".

He told delegates: "Climate change could define the contours of this century more than any other challenge."

"I came here personally to say the United States not only recognizes the problem but is committed to do something about it," Obama said.

"The United States not only recognizes our role in creating this problem, we embrace our responsibility to do something about it.", The US president confirmed.

"It's not only the United States. But the responsibility of each of us to do something right now."

He added that recent years had shown that the global economy had grown while emissions had remained flat, breaking the old arguments for inaction "that economic growth and environmental protection were in conflict".

Sources: MENA