The Sinking Nation of Tuvalu’s Struggle for Survival

"If the world’s governments – especially those of the highest-emitting nations – do not act decisively and immediately, the international community may witness the sinking of Tuvalu."

One has likely not encountered the tiny island nation of Tuvalu. Comprised of three reef islands and six atolls situated in the Polynesian region of the central Pacific Ocean, this Commonwealth member state possesses a land area of less than 26 km² and a population of 11,733 — a figure less than half the student population of the University of the Philippines Diliman.

However, with an average elevation of less than three meters above sea level, Tuvalu is projected to be one of the first countries to be completely submerged by climate change due to rising sea levels. This is exacerbated by increasingly severe tropical cyclones, high temperatures, and drought, all of which are climatic impacts that threaten Tuvalu's territorial integrity, as well as its population, culture, and heritage.

Tuvalu’s capital, Funafuti, has one main road bisecting the length of the island. ​​Most buildings – such as homes, shops, and churches – are clustered as close as possible to the center of the island, oftentimes right up to the edge of the road. Due to coastal erosion and sea-level rise, numerous derelict structures can be found along the shoreline. Even cemeteries have been eroded, forcing residents to bury their loved ones next to their homes. Since the island is made of porous ground, seawater often bubbles up, leaving Tuvaluans standing in knee-deep water even in the middle of the island. Even the airport is affected; during several months of the year, planes struggle to land on the partly underwater runway. 

The problems are not limited to rising sea levels. Due to increasingly warmer ocean temperatures, water acidification caused by higher levels of carbon dioxide in the water, and more severe cyclones, 80% of the coral reefs in Funafuti have bleached. And although cyclones are par for the course in Tuvalu – like the Philippines, the island also experiences El Niño and La Niña climate systems – climate change has only made these storms more and more violent, threatening the homes and lives of Tuvaluans. It is important to note that these reefs form the base of the atoll that makes up Funafuti. Therefore, the degradation of the coral poses an existential threat to the island itself. Given that coral growth rates are slow, the rapid rise in sea level makes a critical and escalating situation.

However, the injustice of Tuvalu’s plight lies in the fact that the nation itself has barely contributed to climate change. In 2023, Tuvalu emitted a total of 25.89 tons of carbon dioxide as greenhouse gases. This presents a stark contrast to the United States, which produced more than 6.3 million tons of carbon dioxide. Despite its negligible contribution, Tuvalu is projected to be one of the first, if not the first, nations to be completely submerged by rising sea levels in the coming century. This would result not only in a territorial loss but also in the irrevocable displacement of its people, rich culture, and history. If the world’s governments – especially those of the highest-emitting nations – do not act decisively and immediately, the international community may witness the sinking of Tuvalu.

This article was written by the MUN-UPD applicants under the Oceania Continent Family.