Sweeping words such as "historic," "landmark" and "monumental" describe the results of a two-week global conference in Paris. Delegates from 195 countries agree for the first time to lower planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions to help avoid the most drastic effects of climate change. The deal puts nations on a course that could fundamentally change how energy is produced and consumed, gradually reducing reliance on fossil fuels in favor of cleaner energy. "Though the deal did not achieve all that environmentalists, scientists and some countries had hoped for," The New York Times reports, "it set the table for more efforts to slow the slide toward an unlivable planet."

Earlier agreements required developed economies like the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but exempted developing countries such as China and India. Now every country is required to take some action. Some provisions are voluntary, while others are legally binding. "This is a tremendous victory . . . for all of the planet, and for future generations," U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said at the meeting.

The new deal to cut emissions doesn't solve global warming, which scientists warn could bring higher sea levels, severe droughts and floods, wide food and water shortages, and more destructive storms. But the turning-point agreement marks a major shift in global economic policy to halt, and eventually reduce, the rise in carbon emissions that started during the Industrial Revolution.

President Obama says: "We came together around the strong agreement that we needed. We met the moment." – Speaking Saturday night at the White House

UN leader says: "History will remember this day. The Paris agreement on climate change is a monumental success for the planet and its people." -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

U.S. senator says: "While this is a step forward, it goes nowhere near far enough. The planet is in crisis." -- Bernie Sanders, D-Vet., a 2016 presidential candidate