Tuvalu chillin’ by the ocean: The tiny nation trying to hang in there while keeping an eye on the waves.
Today, Tuvalu is facing a crisis that the whole world seems powerless to stop. With rising sea levels threatening its islands, the government is adamant about preserving a territory that may disappear within decades.
Forced migration due to rising sea levels
In 2024, a treaty was signed to accommodate climate refugees from Tuvalu. The severity of the situation became evident when the majority of the population opted to leave for Australia, where they would be granted permits to work, study, and settle.
A country on the brink of disappearance
Comprised of low-lying coral islands and atolls, Tuvalu is already experiencing the effects of climate change. Eroded beaches, salinized crops, flooded homes, and water scarcity are just a few of the challenges they face. Experts predict that the country could be underwater before the end of the century.
Preserving identity amidst uncertainty
Despite the looming threat, Tuvalu is determined to maintain its national identity. The government is seeking international assistance to raise the land and protect the main island. However, funding is slow to arrive, with only a fraction of the required amount received so far. While some citizens prepare to escape, the leaders of Tuvalu are holding onto hope for a future that may be slipping away.
