Why in news?
On 5 October 2025 Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. conducted the world’s first live underwater interview. Using a special mask that transmitted his voice via light (Li‑Fi) technology, he spoke beneath the Pacific Ocean to draw attention to ocean conservation and the climate threats facing his island nation.
Background
Palau is a small archipelago in Micronesia with a population of around 18,000. The country is renowned for its coral reefs and marine biodiversity but is highly vulnerable to rising sea levels, coral bleaching and more frequent storms driven by climate change. Its economy depends heavily on tourism and sustainable fishing.
Highlights of the event
- Innovative communication: The President wore scuba gear fitted with a Li‑Fi talking mask that converted his voice into pulses of light, enabling a clear live broadcast from underwater.
- Climate message: Joined by Estonian swimmer and ocean activist Merle Liivand, he emphasised that island nations like Palau are on the frontline of climate impacts, with rising seas threatening their very existence.
- Global appeal: The underwater interview built on earlier dramatic actions by leaders of the Maldives, Seychelles and Tuvalu, urging the world to protect oceans and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Significance
The unusual setting captured global attention and highlighted the ingenuity of small island states in communicating climate urgency. It reminds viewers that protecting the ocean is not only about preserving biodiversity but also about safeguarding the homes and livelihoods of millions of people.
Source: Firstpost