Voices of developing world urge action

Many of the African leaders had their say this week at he Copenhagen climate talks, now with less than 24 hours to go.

They say, at this point, there's no room for anything but action. They're stressing that the voice the of the majority needs to be heard.

The Indian Ocean nation of Seychelles says it understands the growth desires of industrialized countries. The island chain also comprehends the need for emerging economies to accelerate their development. But there is one group in Copenhagen that is extremely vulnerable to the world's changing climate.

James Alix Michel, Seychelles President, said, "I am standing before you as the president, and a leader, of a small island state. For us, this agreement is about our right to exist. The commitment we expect to adopt on Friday should be better than what it is today."

Kenya's President is emphasizing the need for the UN Framework Convention to live up to its noble principle of protecting the climate system for the benefit of the present and future generations.

He, along with other African leaders, called on industrialized nations to assist developing countries.

Waves break over coral reef near the coast of the Seychelles main island Mahe. For the Seychellois and other people living on low- lying islands, climate change is a tangible issue that literally knocks on their front door every morning and poses a very existential question.(AFP/File/Roberto Schmidt)