Tuvalu has been fiercely impacted by rising sea levels, a consequence of global warming, and has become one of the nations most threatened to disappear. Ms. Gitty Yee is a 25-year-old amateur photographer who tells her perspective on recent weather events.
As the ocean turned dark and violent, hurling waves at the exposed shore, Ms. Gitty Yee grabbed her camera and rushed toward the chaos. A fierce storm had hit Tuvalu, accompanied by a king tide. Massive waves rose, swallowing the narrow main island of Fongafale and leaving debris strewn across its two-lane road.
A Glimpse Into The Storm's Wrath
"This was the worst I've ever seen," Ms. Gitty Yee recalled the February disaster. "It damaged many homes, wrecked some sea walls, and the water reached our knees."
Numerous homes suffered significant damage, and protective sea walls were compromised, with water levels reaching knee-high across the island. Despite the turmoil, the Tuvalu native focused on local children, who were swimming and playing, unaware of the dangers posed by the raging Pacific Ocean.
A Nation In Peril
For Tuvalu, a coral atoll barely above sea level, such events are terrifying. This small nation is predicted to be among the first casualties of climate change, with rising tides eroding its fragile coast. Its precarious position has pushed Tuvalu to be a strong voice in global climate talks, challenging major polluters.
The Grim Reality Of Climate Change
Under a high-emissions scenario, with current greenhouse gas levels and existing infrastructure, 95% of Tuvalu's capital, Funafuti, could flood daily by the end of the century. It might become uninhabitable much sooner, possibly by 2050.
Tuvalu's climate change minister, Maina Talia, sees deep meaning in the joy of the country's young despite the looming existential threat. He emphasized the importance of maintaining Tuvalu for future generations. "If we migrate, one day my children might ask, 'Where is Tuvalu?' and it could be gone," he remarked.
Constitutional amendments have been proposed to ensure statehood remains intact even if physical land disappears. At the same time, the Falepili Union Treaty, an agreement with Australia for long-term visas, offers Tuvaluans new opportunities abroad.
Preserving Tuvalu: Physical And Digital Efforts
In 2022, Foreign Minister Simon Kofe suggested creating a digital twin of Tuvalu in the metaverse. This virtual replica would attempt to safeguard the nation's culture, heritage, and landscapes. In addition to this digital cultural preservation strategy, practical measures are necessary, such as protecting shorelines and elevating land through physical efforts.
The Challenges Ahead
Tuvalu's ambitious land reclamation plans aim to nearly double Funafuti's size by filling in lagoon areas, expanding the country's landmass by 6%. However, the financial challenge remains significant, with the Long-Term Adaptation Plan alone estimated at over $1 billion, while Tuvalu's minimal GDP necessitates substantial external funding.
Tuvalu stands on the brink of extinction, facing the relentless threat of climate change and the efforts to avoid this reflect a desperate bid to preserve its culture and identity.
