PARIS . It keeps its course. Despite the terrible attacks that hit France two weeks ago, François Hollande wants this climate meeting to be a summit that guarantees the lives of present and future generations.

After the attacks in Paris, France and the world really want to talk about climate?
“Yes, more than ever. Because it is the destiny of the human race that is on the agenda of this conference. After the attacks in France, we must face the emergency and respond to the challenge of terrorism, but also work for the long term. This is why I wanted to confirm the convocation of COP21 in the aftermath of the November 13 attacks and invite 150 heads of state and government to come to Paris to take on their responsibilities with respect to global warming “.

Yet some young people protested against the summit. Even in a violent way …
“COP21 is held for young people. It is about reducing global warming by the end of the century and we know that if we go beyond two degrees centigrade, the lives of our children and grandchildren “It will be more difficult and more dangerous. Conflicts will break out due to the decrease in arable land and the expansion of migration. Today, there are already more refugees caused by the climate than by war. So, the solutions of the conference through energy transition and funding that will accompany it can stimulate growth “.

Under what conditions will it be possible to say that COP21 will have been a success?
“In the first place, an agreement is needed. Therefore, this agreement must put us on a road that avoids global warming from here to the end of the century above two degrees Celsius. Furthermore, it is essential that the commitments assumed by the countries be checked periodically “Finally, we need to provide abundant funding to enable investments in countries most vulnerable to climate change.”

Saudi Arabia, a major oil producer, is one of the most reluctant countries to conclude a binding climate agreement. It is also accused, rightly or wrongly, of contributing to the financing of terrorism. Can he continue to be a privileged partner of France?
“Saudi Arabia has been a partner of France for years. I do not share all the positions of Saudi Arabia, in particular on human rights, but I know that this country is an indispensable actor to face the crises in Iraq and Syria. And this is true for Iran, Russia or Turkey. As for the climate conference, I have to convince the oil-producing countries that their future is no longer in fossil fuels and that they must use their resources to accelerate the energy transition. ”

If COP21 fails, who will take responsibility for it?
“All the countries of the world. And in particular the major CO2 emitters. If we succeed, Paris will once again boast of being the capital of human rights. In 2002, at the Johannesburg climate conference, Jacques Chirac uttered this phrase which became famous: “The house burns and we look elsewhere”.

What could be a significant joke today?
“It is no longer a question of looking at the house, but of reconstructing it. We are no longer spectators, we act. We build a new model, we are all the architects of the planet “.