Paris agreement: World governments approve first-ever global pact to cut carbon emissions

An historic global pact to limit greenhouse gas emissions has been approved at a UN climate conference in Paris.

The deal, which was greeted by huge cheers and a standing ovation, includes a target to keep temperature rises "well below" 2C and commits to strive to curb increases to 1.5C.

Known as the Paris agreement, it also includes a five-year review system to increase ambition on cutting emissions, differentiation between countries as to their responsibilities for action, and finance for poor countries to deal with rising temperatures.

Welcoming the deal, UK Prime Minister David Cameron said: "In striking this deal, the nations of the world have shown what unity, ambition and perseverance can do.

"Britain is already leading the way in work to cut emissions and help less developed countries cut theirs - and this global deal now means that the whole world has signed to play its part in halting climate change. It's a moment to remember and a huge step forward in helping to secure the future of our planet."

Earlier, French president Francois Hollande said: "This text will, if you should so decide, be the first universal agreement in history on climate change."

He told them that, in the coming hours: "You will make a choice for your country, for your continent, but also a choice for the world. It will be a major leap for mankind."