approach on the issues of climate change, global warming and sea-level rise, and to pursue and follow up on global and regional response strategies. !l!he group - comprising representatives from the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the South Pacific and the Indian Ocean regions - is scheduled to meet in Ma16 early next year. There is, however, a limit to what the small low-lying States can do. We need international help. In this multipolar world, where interdependency has become a key element, we believe that it is not just the responsibility of the nations threatened by sea-level rise to take preventive measures. We remain convinced that it is also the dut$. of those States whose race for development over many years had contributed to global warming, ozone depletion, acid rain and tropical deforestation to reverse the existing situation. We cannot accept that economic development has to be achieved at the expense of our environment. The Maldives calls upon the industrialized nations to take urgent measures to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and to adopt environmentally compatible technology. We urge them to assist the developing countries to implement similar measures. It is our earnest hope that the world community will heed our voice - that of low-lying States - and save us from the ignominy of becoming environmental refugees. Our children are the most vulnerable sector of our societies to environmental hazards. They are the ones most likely to suffer from the deterioration of our ecosystems. Thousands of children die every year from environment-related diseases such as diarrhoea and upper respiratory disorders. Many more are subjected to air and water pollutants. The effects of environmental changes will affect not just F'M3/5 A1451PV.10 14-15 (&&dent Gavoom) the present generation of children but also those as yet unborn. More than 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the impact of climate change, global warming, and sea-level rise on low-lying states, particularly the Maldives, and urges industrialized nations to take urgent measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adopt environmentally compatible technology. The text also highlights the vulnerability of children to environmental hazards and the need for international cooperation to address these issues.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment, Humanitarian aid and relief