Children born today are expected to encounter significantly more extreme weather events—between two to seven times more—compared to their grandparents, according to British High Commissioner to Fiji, Brian Jones. During the announcement of Fiji’s COP29 delegation in Suva, he referenced the 2022 Save the Children Report titled “Born Into the Climate Crisis,” highlighting this troubling statistic.
Jones emphasized to the 55-member delegation that their negotiations at COP29 would have implications for the future of these children. He stated, “One of the most striking statistics in that report is that children born today will endure two to seven times more natural crises, including drought, water shortages, cyclones, and king tides, than their grandparents did.”
Jones urged the delegation to approach COP29 with the future of their children in mind. He noted, “For those attending COP29, this is really for you. You are tasked with creating a future for the children and ensuring that catastrophic scenarios do not come to pass.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, who will lead the delegation, remarked that while COP29 may not be a landmark conference by mandate, it is crucial in establishing the groundwork for future implementation and ambition. He described the event as a crossroad that necessitates a strong, unified voice across various issues and negotiations.
Prasad stressed the responsibility of civil servants and sector leaders to develop a bold, strategic shared narrative aimed at representing the interests of both current and future generations.