Pacific leaders are urged to inform over 2,000 communities facing threats from rising sea levels that funding for essential sea wall construction will be available within the next three years, rather than the previously anticipated timeline of ten years. This call to action was made by Sashi Kiran, the Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, during her address at the University of Cambridge and the Commonwealth side event titled “Their Future, Our Action” at COP29 in Baku this week.
Kiran emphasized the importance of leaders advocating for their citizens and addressing the immediate challenges they face. She highlighted the necessity of ensuring that children can attend schools built to endure severe weather conditions such as heavy floods and strong winds. Unfortunately, she pointed out that this assurance is not currently possible.
She stressed the need for transformative change in climate finance discussions at the Baku conference. Kiran called upon leaders and government representatives to provide communities, including children and the elderly, with reassurance that their governments are prepared to support them through any climate challenges.
Kiran’s comments highlight a growing awareness and urgency regarding climate impacts and funding. By fostering collaborations and actionable outcomes, there is hope for more effective climate finance solutions that can create a safer future for vulnerable communities.
In summary, Kiran’s appeal at COP29 underscores the critical need for Pacific leaders to prioritize swift funding for protective measures against climate change, aiming to ensure the safety and security of their populations in the face of growing environmental threats.
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