US President Barack Obama has said that parts of the global warming deal being negotiated in Paris should be legally binding on the countries that sign on. Obama’s stand yesterday won praise at the UN climate conference from those who want a strong agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of coal, oil and gas. But it could rile conservatives in Washington, especially if he tries to put the deal into effect without seeking congressional approval. The White House previously said parts of the deal should be legally binding, but this is the first time Obama has said it himself and spelled out which ones.
The Obama administration has pledged during the international talks to reduce US emissions by up to 28 per cent by 2025. But inscribing the emissions target in the Paris deal would probably require the president to submit the pact to the Republican-controlled Congress, where it would be unlikely to win ratification.