NEWS: Tuvalu faces severe climate risks as sea-level rise + marine heatwaves threaten its coral ecosystems and long-term habitability.

ABOUT TUVALU

• Polynesian island country → west-central Pacific Ocean.
• Formerly known as → Ellice Islands.
• Capital → Funafuti Atoll.
• Consists of → 9 islands: 4 reef islands + 5 coral atolls.
• Land area → ~26 sq. km.
• Maximum elevation → ~4.5 metres above sea level.

CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT

• 2024 marine heatwave → estimated 99.9% coral loss.
• Coral degradation → threatens biodiversity + island stability.
• Sea-level rise → risk of inundation + long-term habitability.
• Changing marine ecosystems → ↓ fish availability + impacts traditional livelihoods.

POLITICAL SYSTEM

• Independent from United Kingdom → 1978.
• Parliamentary democracy + constitutional monarchy.
• Commonwealth Realm → King Charles III is head of state.
• No formal political parties.

ECONOMY

• Subsistence farming → major livelihood.
• Remittances → important source of income.
• Fisheries → revenue from foreign fishing fleets.
• Foreign aid → significant economic support.

CLIMATE SIGNIFICANCE

• Tuvalu → highly vulnerable Small Island Developing State (SIDS).
• Highlights → climate justice + adaptation + loss and damage.
• Low elevation + coral reef dependence → high vulnerability to climate change.