The First Planned Migration of an Entire Country Is Underway
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Summary
The Pacific island nation of Tuvalu has become the first country that is preparing to carry out the first planned migration of an entire country in response to the effects of climate change.
Recent studies project that much of its territory could be submerged in the next 25 years due to rising sea levels.
Tuvalu and Australia have signed an agreement that provides for a migration scheme that will allow 280 Tuvaluans per year to settle in Australia as permanent residents.
This initiative reflects the deep trust between the two nations, according to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who hopes that Tuvaluans will make a valuable contribution to Australian society.
The agreement with Australia is not the only action taken by Tuvalu in the face of the threat of disappearing.
In 2022, the country launched an ambitious strategy to become the world’s first digital nation as the islands themselves are 3D scanned to be digitally re-created and government functions move to a virtual environment.
