Paris, November 30 (RHC)-- The COP 21 Paris climate change talks got underway today in the French capital with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon delivering the inaugural speech.

The UN head said that it was time to "write the script for a new future; a future of hope and promise." Ban Ki-moon noted that more than 150 world leaders have come together for the historic task of ensuring the well-being of humanity.

During his speech at the opening of the Paris summit, Ban Ki-moon said that the world "cannot afford indecision, half measures or merely gradual approaches." And he noted that across the planet, people are demonstrating "in a mass mobilization for change."

The head of the United Nations wrapped up his speech this morning in Paris by saying: "History is calling. I urge you to answer with courage and vision."