© UNICEF/Vlad Sokhin Children in a Pacific Island stand in an area heavily affected by sea level rise and coastal erosion. Separated by oceans, the leaders were united in their call on the international community to prioritize urgent action and financial support to combat the climate crisis, emphasizing that their nations are in crosshairs of the emergency and already bearing its impacts. As the small island States continue to fight for their survival, their united message to the world on Wednesday was clear, the time for action is now, and the global community must be united. We understand what it means to be vulnerable Wavel Ramkalawan, President of Seychelles – off the African coast, in the Indian Ocean – stressed that climate change “remains the foremost challenge facing humanity” and failure to address its effects will devastate current and future generations. “As a small island State, Seychelles understands what it means to be vulnerable. We are on the frontlines of the climate crisis,” he said. It is an irreversible threat to people, economy and way of life. “Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the degradation of our oceans are stark reminders of the urgent need for global action on climate change,” he added. Calling for decisive action, President Ramkalawan made it clear, “words are nothing without deeds.” Comparing global military expenditure that reached $2.5 trillion last year, the $100 billion – at the highest estimates for loss and damage – “seems modest and insignificant.” Click here for the statement. No one is immune Off the Atlantic coast of Africa, President of Cabo Verde, José Maria Pereira Neves , emphasized that while small island States are the first affected by climate change, the impacts extend deep into the hinterlands. “No one immune to this catastrophe in the making,” he […]