Tuvalu

Category: Geography / Environment / Climate Change / International Relations

Notes

  • Tuvalu is a small Pacific island country highly vulnerable to sea-level rise and climate change.

  • It consists of nine islands—five coral atolls and other reef/table islands.

  • Capital: Funafuti.

  • The country's land area is only about 25.3 sq km, while its EEZ is extremely large.

  • Much of its land lies only a few metres above sea level.

  • Major threats include:

    • Sea-level rise

    • Coastal erosion

    • Saltwater intrusion

    • Storm surges

    • Coastal inundation

  • Tuvalu is frequently discussed in the context of climate justice and loss and damage.

Key Pointers

  • Region: Pacific Ocean

  • Capital: Funafuti

  • Major issue: Climate-induced sea-level rise

  • Important concept: Small Island Developing States (SIDS)