Paris a test of world leaders' resolve

Despite this, world leaders know that if they take action now they could still save the planet from doom. Even climate skeptics accept that greenhouse gas emissions have to be reduced, although some of them suggest the use of advanced technology to do so, instead of reducing the use of fossil fuel and restricting economic growth to the optimum, as opposed to the maximum.

But the world's obsession with growth will not allow that. The global consensus (excluding the opinions of some climate skeptics who seem to be advocates of big business) is that we have to restrict the rise of global temperatures below 2 C, or else our planet could spiral out of control. That goal already seems beyond reach thanks to the world's greed for profit.

And it is this greed that in more ways than one has fuelled terrorism. If religious terrorists have misread the sermons of prophets to become desperate to secure their afterlife by trying to force their way of life on others, the wealthy and the powerful are obsessed with securing their future by making more money and shaping the world according to their beliefs. Both are harmful for the planet.

Sunday was the biggest climate action day in history, marked by processions and protests across the world, including in Paris. The more than 130 heads of state and government who have gathered in Paris know the difference between the demands of an overwhelming majority of the global population and the minority that includes the rich, climate skeptics and terrorists. The world leaders have gathered in Paris with the promise of fighting climate change, as well as to express solidarity with France in the fight against terrorism. But they also know terrorism has become the biggest immediate threat to humankind because its root causes were not addressed in time.

Climate change is no different from terrorism. We have allowed it to gather strength for much too long. It is already spreading terror across the world, especially among the poor who have contributed the least or nothing to its strength. In every way, climate change is more devastating than the Islamic State group for humankind. Whether or not Paris will see the world rise as one against climate change, as it has against the IS group, will depend on the world leaders.

The author is a senior editor with China Daily. oprana@hotmail.com