L'AQUILA, Italy (July 9, 2009)--President Barack Obama says world leaders have made "some important strides" this week on fighting climate change.

The Group of Eight summit in Italy didn't meet Mr. Obama's goal of a sweeping new agreement between the developed and developing world, but he’s still calling the gathering a success.

Mr. Obama notes that the problem can't be solved "in one meeting, or one summit."

He also said the worldwide recession is making it harder for nations to agree to a plan.

In the future, Mr. Obama says the U.S. plans to lead by example.

He says the days of the U.S. falling short of its responsibilities on the climate issues "are over."

The president is also urging poor economies to embrace clean-energy goals and "fight the temptation toward cynicism."