Tuvalu, world's fourth smallest country, faces rising sea level threat
What's the story
Counted among the most stunning island countries in the world, Tuvalu is a small nation with only 12,000 inhabitants. Unfortunately, as per reports, the destination is going to vanish into the oceans, sooner than it was estimated to be. The Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Kausea Natano, believes it is one of the most vulnerable places on Earth to experience an absolute disappearance.
Information
Tuvalu is an island country in the west-central Pacific Ocean
Tuvalu is an island country, tucked away in the west-central Pacific Ocean, halfway between Hawaii and Australia. It is situated on a ring-shaped coral reef with nine beautiful islands along its rim. It garners attention for its turquoise blue water, adventure sports, and white sand.
Reason
Rising sea level is a yearly threat to the nation
In an interview, Natano was quoted saying, "Sea level rise and more severe weather events loom as a growing threat to our entire population." Per reports, the tides in Tuvalu have been rising about 3.9 millimeters per year and the land being used by citizens is just 2 meters above sea level. Experts believe the country is to soon lose itself to climate change.
Consequences
'We don't want to be swallowed by the sea': Citizens
In a podcast by The Guardian, journalist Kalolaine Fainu visited Tuvalu to see how people are coping. "We don't want to be swallowed by the sea. So instead of asking and telling those big countries to act, we are acting now," shared a citizen. Another said, "The future is uncertain. We should look for other ways to sustain our culture."
Relocation
About 1/5th of Tuvalu's population has already relocated
As per The Guardian, about 1/5th of Tuvalu's population has already relocated to New Zealand. However, many of them are struggling. "If you have no money here, you can't survive. Not like in the islands, if you have no money, you have your family, small land, fish," told Kelesoma Saloa to The Guardian. He has been staying in New Zealand for over a decade.
Digital archive
A Metaverse nation: Tuvalu to create a digital twin
As per the podcast, the government of Tuvalu "has decided to take a radical approach. If they can't save the nation, they say, they will archive it." They are creating a digital twin of Tuvalu, which means the citizens will be able to communicate with each other in a digital dimension, in a way that imitates real life.
Concept
What is a digital twin?
A digital twin is a virtual representation of real-world identity. It involves three aspects - a physical entity in real space, a digital twin in software form, and data that links them both. It functions as a proxy of a real/current state. A digital nation can accommodate everything from wedding ceremonies to languages, curbing homesickness in people. Singapore has also created its digital archive.