Tuvalu: Sinking Paradise

Tuvalu, consisting of nine coral atolls in the South Pacific, is the world's fourth-smallest country and faces existential threat as one of the lowest-lying nations. With highest point only 15 feet above sea level, Tuvalu could become uninhabitable within decades due to climate change.

Funafuti Atoll houses the capital. The country has pristine lagoons and traditional Polynesian culture but limited resources. Tuvalu's ".tv" internet domain provides significant revenue through licensing. The population is small, with many Tuvaluans emigrating to New Zealand under special agreements.

Rising seas are already causing flooding, saltwater contamination of crops, and coastal erosion. Tuvalu has become a symbol of climate change impacts on small island nations. The government advocates internationally for climate action while preparing for potential relocation. Tuvaluans maintain cultural identity while confronting possibility of becoming climate refugees from their homeland.