US president Barack Obama said on Wednesday he was optimistic an elusive deal to contain global warming could be forged at an upcoming crunch summit in Paris, and insisted an ambitious deal would boost a flagging world economy.

In a speech to an Asia-Pacific business conference in the Philippines, Obama said there was still a “lot of work to do” to ensure success at the United Nations summit.

“Nevertheless, I’m optimistic that we can get an outcome that we’re all proud of, because we understand what’s at stake,” Obama said.

Nevertheless, I’m optimistic that we can get an outcome that we’re all proud of, because we understand what’s at stake.

The goal of the climate summit in the French capital, which begins on 30 November, is to forge a pact to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that are blamed for global warming.

The meeting will try to negotiate a pact to keep global warming below 2C over pre-industrial levels.

Scientists warn that unless drastic action is taken quickly, warming temperatures will lead to rising sea levels and natural catastrophes that threaten mankind.

The Paris event represents the first bid for a truly global climate rescue pact since the chaotic 2009 summit in Copenhagen ended in bitter disappointment.