The map of the world keeps changing every few years. Sometimes new countries are formed, sometimes the boundaries change. But imagine what will happen if an entire country disappears from the Earth? This sounds like a story from a film, but in reality, it is going to happen.
Today, we are talking about a small country named Tuvalu, which the sea could be completely submerged in the coming few decades.
Where is Tuvalu?
Tuvalu is a very small island country situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Its total area is only 26 square kilometres, which is as much as a small part of Delhi. About 11,000 people live here. This country, made up of nine small islands, is counted among the smallest and lowest countries in the world.
The land here is, on average, only 2 meters above the sea. The highest point of the country is also only 4.6 meters. That is, if the sea waves rise even a little higher, then the entire area can be submerged in water.
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The biggest reason for drowning: Climate change
In the last few decades, the sea level around the world has been constantly rising. The main reason for this is global warming, that is, the increase in the temperature of the Earth. When the temperature rises, the ice in the Arctic and Antarctica starts melting. The water from the melted ice flows into the sea, causing its level to rise.
According to NASA’s report, between 1993 and 2023, the sea level in Tuvalu has risen by about 15 centimetres, which is one and a half times more than the global average. If this pace continues, by 2050, the houses of half the population here will be submerged in water, and by 2100, 95% of the country will disappear.
Why can’t this country be saved?
Now you will think why people do not move to a higher area. But the problem is that Tuvalu is almost completely flat. There are no mountains or highlands here. In such a situation, people cannot run and hide anywhere when there is a flood.
Some countries have built sea walls and artificial islands to combat rising sea levels, as seen in Dubai and the Maldives. Tuvalu has also made a small effort to create artificial land. But this country is very poor. Its entire economy is dependent on foreign aid and some natural resources. In such a situation, it is almost impossible for them to run large-scale projects.
Plan B: Leaving the country
Looking at the situation, the government of Tuvalu has signed an agreement with Australia. Under this agreement, 280 people will be settled in Australia annually through a “climate visa“. Gradually, the entire population will be shifted there in the next 40 years.
This is the first such case in the world, where the entire population of a country will be settled in another country due to climate change.
Step towards a virtual country
The Tuvalu government has taken a unique step. They have declared the country a “digital state“. That is, even if the land gets submerged in water, this country will remain alive in the online world.
3D scanning of the entire country is being done. Every house, every road, every tree and plant is being stored in digital form. People are also adding their memories to it – like videos of dance and songs of festivals or stories of elders.
In the future, citizens of Tuvalu will use digital passports, online voting will be done, and government work will continue in the virtual world.
Who is responsible?
Small countries like Tuvalu have contributed almost nothing to climate change. Their carbon emissions are very low. But they are the ones who are bearing the brunt of it.
The real responsibility lies with major countries – such as the United States, China, India, Germany, and other developed nations. 80% of greenhouse gases are emitted from G20 countries alone. These gases are increasing the temperature of the Earth.
Lesson for the world
The story of Tuvalu is not just about a small country. It is a warning for the whole world. If the sea level continues to rise like this, then big cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Dhaka will also be in danger. Around 80 crore people worldwide may be affected by floods in the future.
This fight of Tuvalu reminds us that climate change is not a problem of the future; it is a problem of today. This country may disappear from the map in a few decades, but its story will always remind us that if humans do not take action in time, the Earth will not be a safe place for future generations.
My name is Farhad Dawar and I am graduate of the Institute of Media and Communication Studies Bahaddin Zakariya University Multan Pakistan. I’m passionate about journalism and media, and I believe in journalism of courage, uncovering the truth, and shaping the future.
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
