Climate Change Affects Tuvalu
Friday, 15 August, 2025148 words2 minutes
Tuvalu, a small Pacific island nation, is facing a significant challenge due to climate change. Rising sea levels are threatening the country's existence, prompting many of its citizens to seek refuge elsewhere. In response to this crisis, Australia has introduced a groundbreaking climate visa program.
According to recent figures, more than 80% of Tuvalu's population has applied for these special visas. This amounts to 8,750 people, including family members of primary applicants. However, with only 280 visas available this year, many will be disappointed. The high number of applicants highlights the urgency of the situation in Tuvalu.
Scientists predict that Tuvalu may become uninhabitable within the next 80 years due to rising sea levels. Two of the country's nine coral atolls have already been largely submerged. This visa program, part of the Falepili Union agreement between Australia and Tuvalu, is seen as a pioneering response to climate-forced migration.
