Steps must be taken to tackle climate change: John Kerry

US Ambassador to the US John Kerry has thanked the kingdom for its role in tackling climate change and praised Saudi Arabia's efforts to tackle climate change.

"We all have a responsibility to protect the planet," Kerry was quoted as saying at the Green Middle East Summit in Riyadh on Monday.

John Kerry said the Green Middle East initiative is different.  This is a reflection of the reality of the crisis.

He said that steps need to be taken to tackle climate change.