World awaits a strong climate pact, UN chief tells ministers

Paris

WARNING that the "clock is ticking towards climate catastrophe", UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon urged governments on Monday to agree a strong deal to limit global warming and transform the economy to greener energy.

"Outside these negotiating halls, there is a rising global tide of support for a strong, universal agreement," Mr Ban told environment and foreign ministers at the start of an intense home stretch of the talks, due to end on Friday.