http://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/historic-climate-change-deal-expected-in-paris-1.2463853

The world is on the brink of a major breakthrough on climate change, with an historic agreement expected in Paris today that will limit global temperature increases to "well below 2 degree Celsius" above pre-industrial levels.

The deal has come after two weeks of intensive negotiations, including three all-night sessions this week, at the COP21 Summit, in Le Bourget.

Crucially, the text for limiting global warming includes a reference to moving towards a more ambitious 1.5 degree target.

Parties, including environmental campaigners, have welcomed the addition of the longer-term goals, including a move to "emissions neutrality"; better transparency; guaranteed climate financing of $100 billion a year to 2020 for poorer countries; and five-year reviews to ensure each country keeps up their ambition levels.

The potential of the accord was described by the conference president, French foreign minister Laurent Fabius, as "a big step forward for humanity as a whole". Mr Fabius was due to present the final draft today with the 50 final bracketed areas of text, denoting disagreement, removed.