The Latest From Paris: Climate Conference Update

vulnerable –adj. easily hurt or harmed

legally binding – adj. enforceable by law

optimistic –adj. hopeful and confident about the future

achieve –v. reach or get something by effort  or skill

avert catastrophic damage – phrase.  to avoid a terrible disaster and damage

pledge – n. promise or agreement

emission (s) –n. act of producing or sending out energy or gas

renewable energy – n. sustainable energy that comes from the natural environment