Children born today will encounter an average of two to seven times more extreme weather events than their grandparents, according to British High Commissioner to Fiji, Brian Jones. Speaking during the announcement of Fiji’s COP29 delegation in Suva, he referenced a 2022 Save the Children Report titled “Born Into the Climate Crisis.”
Jones highlighted a particularly alarming statistic from the report, stating that today’s children will endure between two to seven times more natural disasters than their grandparents experienced during their childhood. He emphasized that these events include droughts, water shortages, cyclones, and king tides, stressing the urgency of the climate crisis.
He encouraged the 55-member delegation, who will be attending COP29, to advocate for the future of their children. He stated that their role in the conference is crucial to preventing catastrophic outcomes.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, who is set to lead the delegation, noted that while COP29 may not be a significant milestone by its mandate, it will be foundational for future climate actions. He called for a strong, united voice across various agendas and negotiations to establish a bold and strategic narrative that addresses the needs of current and future generations.