As the world prepares for historic climate change negotiations in Copenhagen, The Elders, a group of eminent global leaders brought together by Nelson Mandela, have issued an urgent message to world leaders: take part in the talks and deliver a fair, ambitious, binding and effective deal.

The Elders asked thirteen of their grandchildren to join them to emphasise that that the world must act now to prevent climate catastrophe in the future. Urgent help is also needed for millions of families who are already suffering hunger and hardship, and to reduce the risk of conflict due to the effects of extreme weather patterns linked to climate change.