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He urged everyone else to get moving on a post-2015 treaty, in remarks that appeared to be aimed primarily at the Chinese.

“Nobody gets a pass,” Obama said.

“The emerging economies that have experienced some of the most dynamic growth in recent years have also emitted rising levels of carbon pollution. It is those emerging economies that are likely to produce more and more carbon emissions in the years to come.

“So nobody can stand on the sidelines on this issue. We have to set aside the old divides.”

He also made a specific reference to an effort made in Canada — although that reference was to the 1987 Montreal Protocol, which he said would help guide new efforts against fast-rising and potent HFCs.

Obama spoke just after noon. About five hours later, Canada’s environment minister said her government would be releasing details soon on a plan to reduce hydrofluorocarbons.

“Let me be clear, Canada is fully committed to achieving a strong and effective global climate agreement in Paris next year,” said the prepared text of Leona Aglukkaq’s remarks.

“Both domestically and internationally we are demonstrating this commitment. We are not waiting to act. We are taking decisive action to ensure Canada remains a leader and contributes its part to this global cause.”

Prime Minister Stephen Harper arrived in New York later in the day for three days of events at the UN and with business leaders.

Before speaking at the UN General Assembly on Thursday, Harper will appear at an event with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on maternal health. On that issue, he’s received praise from the UN for corralling international support to reduce newborn deaths.

On the climate issue, the plaudits have been a little more sparse: “So nice of him to show up,” one UN staffer cracked within the earshot of Canadian media, upon hearing that the prime minister was headed to town later in the day.