​​​​​​​Population 11,000 and sinking threat: Australia opens doors— here’s the full story

International News: The threat of climate change is no longer just a distant concern—it has become an urgent reality. Rapidly rising sea levels are pushing numerous countries toward existential crises. Among the most vulnerable is Tuvalu, a small island nation in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, which experts warn could be completely submerged within the next 25 years. According to a recent report by Wired, the people of Tuvalu have already begun relocating, marking the world’s first instance of planned climate migration.

Tuvalu Sits Only 2 Meters Above Sea Level

Tuvalu consists of nine coral islands and atolls, with a total population of roughly 11,000 people. Situated merely two meters above sea level, the nation faces constant risks from flooding and severe ocean storms. Even minor increases in sea level pose serious threats to the island’s very existence.

Two Islands Already Lost to the Sea

Reports confirm that two of Tuvalu’s nine islands have already been swallowed by rising waters due to climate change. The remaining islands are similarly at risk, with NASA data indicating a 15-centimeter rise in sea level around Tuvalu between 2008 and 2023. If this trend continues, scientists predict the entire nation could be underwater by 2050.

A Pact with Australia for a Secure Future

To address this looming crisis, Tuvalu signed the Faolepili Agreement with Australia in 2023. Under this pact, Australia will grant permanent residency to 280 Tuvaluan citizens each year. The first phase of the application process was held between July 16 and July 18.

Thousands Apply in the Initial Phase

According to the Australian High Commission, over 8,750 Tuvaluans applied in the first round. Since only 280 spots are available annually, applicants were selected through a lottery system. The selection process concluded on July 25, and the chosen individuals are now preparing to start new lives in Australia.

A Stark Warning for the World

Tuvalu’s situation serves as a powerful warning: unless decisive action is taken to control sea-level rise and combat global warming, many coastal cities and island nations worldwide will face similar fates in the coming decades. This is not just a crisis for one country—it is a global environmental emergency demanding immediate attention.