President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has asked world leaders what it would take for them to listen to the Maldives regarding the harsh realities of climate change.

The President made this statement earlier tonight while delivering the National Statement at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) World Leaders Summit. Speaking to world leaders and dignitaries present at the summit, President Solih revealed the grim lived realities of Maldivians already due to climate change.

“Our islands are slowly being inundated by the sea, one by one,” he said, citing several trips that he made to different islands of the Maldives over the past month. President Solih stated that all islands he visited had reported severe erosion – only one of numerous dire consequences influencing the daily lives of Maldivians already. “I am here to tell you that my people are already living the steady onset of this reality.” He said.

Continuing his statement, President Solih said that in a world where the rise in temperature remains unchecked at 1.5 and jumps to 2 degrees, the Maldives would cease to exist and our fate would remain a dark omen of the grim and similar future that awaits the rest of the world.