Tuvalu Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga delivers a speech during the opening day of the World Climate Change Conference 2015, COP21. Photo: ALAIN JOCARD / AFP
The prime minister of Tuvalu says he is very pleased with the outcomes of climate change talks in Paris, saying those criticising the deal are misinformed.
Enele Sopoaga says he and other negotiators worked hard to seal a legally binding agreement that sees the best possible outcome for everyone.
He says the text including a stand alone provision for loss and damage and the ambition of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees by the end of the century is very significant.
Mr Sopoaga says COP 21 is a very good pathway to ensure protection and insurance coverage for vulnerable Pacific nations.
He says no good will come from academics and NGOs criticising the deal.
"I'm looking after a nation of one of the most vulnerable countries, Tuvalu, to save, protect their lives. The deal therefore cannot be criticised. I think it is totally misplaced for these people to start jumping up and down and saying this is a bad deal for the Pacific. I totally disagree with this."
Enele Sopoaga says it is important people in the Pacific are not alarmed by criticism of the agreement.