The world continues to face a race against time to halt climate change... That was the message from outgoing COP President Segolene Royal. Royal oversaw the landmark Paris climate change agreement… but she's warned that now, real action must be taken. She is also calling for more support for African countries most affected by climate change.

Looking to maintain the climate action momentum in Marrakech.  The breakthrough Paris climate change agreement put the scaffolding in place to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But the fine print of that agreement still requires significant work and action. 

"Achieving the aims and the ambitions of the Paris agreement is not a given. Our work is far from done. This is a new phase for the international climate process," said Patricia Espinosa, UNFCC Executive Secretary.

"Together we can deliver the promise of the Paris agreement to billions of people on this planet. Today and to future generations."

A key focus of this conference will be on Africa. 700 million people in Africa are still without access to electricity. Delegates shone a solar lamp in the shape of an Ethiopian flower, as a symbolic gesture. But there was also a call to do more to help those suffering from the consequences of climate change.

"The poorest countries live as if no planet remained. I would therefore demand climate justice and in particular climate justice for Africa. Of the 50 countries most hard hit by global warming, 36 of them are in sub Saharan Africa. A race against time is ahead of us," said Segolene Royal, President of the COP21 Climate Conference.

That theme was continued by the incoming COP President

"We must join forces. It is our responsibility. It is transparent in front of the eyes of the world. So we should unite to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable," said Salaheddine Mezouar, President of the COP22 Clemate Conference.

Now begins twelve days of talks and negotiations between thousands of delegates from across the globe. The Paris agreement has now entered into force. But the promise of a year ago now needs to be backed up by action.