Why in News?
- The Pacific island nation of Tuvalu is preparing for the world’s first planned relocation of its population to Australia under the Falepili Union Treaty.
- This initiative responds to rising sea levels that threaten Tuvalu’s very existence.
What Is the Plan?
- Signed in 2023, the Falepili Union Treaty allows up to 280 Tuvaluans each year to gain permanent residency in Australia.
- The programme, which includes ballot‑based selection, ensures access to healthcare, education, housing and employment.
- Combined with other pathways, up to 4 % of Tuvalu’s population could migrate annually.
- The goal is to provide “mobility with dignity” as climate impacts worsen.
Why Migration Is Necessary
- Tuvalu is a low‑lying Polynesian island nation of about 11,000 people. Its average elevation is only about two metres above sea level.
- Rising sea levels, storm surges and erosion threaten to submerge much of the country by mid‑century.
- Nasa and other studies predict that without significant global action, Tuvalu could become uninhabitable within a few decades.
Key Features of Tuvalu
- Located roughly halfway between Australia and Hawaii, Tuvalu consists of nine coral atolls covering just over 25 square kilometres.
- The country’s economy relies heavily on fishing licences, foreign aid and remittances from citizens working abroad.
- Tuvalu joined the United Nations in 2000 and advocates for the rights of small island states threatened by climate change.
Conclusion
Tuvalu’s planned migration underscores the human cost of climate change. While it provides a safety net for Tuvaluans, global efforts to reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions are critical to prevent similar crises elsewhere.