Tuvalu, an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, could disappear from the map in 100 years due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. The cooperation also includes defense and security. From now on, citizens of the Polynesian island nation of Tuvalu will have the right to permanent residence in Australia. The main reason is that the tiny country of just 11 thousand inhabitants is at risk of disappearing from the map due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. Experts fear that the archipelago could be completely submerged within 100 years.
The agreement between the two governments came into force this Wednesday (28/08), although it was already signed in November last year. This is the first time a country has made a legal commitment to help Tuvalu.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the agreement as a “proud and historic moment for both countries”. He said, “Together we are stronger and we can rely on each other during this difficult time.”
Tuvalu’s head of government Feleti Te’o classified the document as “innovative”. Both are in Tonga, where they participate in the Pacific Islands Forum (FIP).
Other types of assistance
Under the agreement, up to 280 Tuvaluans each year, about 2.5% of the archipelago’s population, will be able to live, work or study in Australia with a special visa.
The Australian Government is also committed to providing assistance if the island nation requests help in an emergency, such as a natural disaster, epidemic or military attack.
In return, Tuvalu promised to give Australia its consent on any new engagement with foreign governments in matters of defence and security. China, in particular, is making great efforts to increase its influence in the South Pacific.
There are similar agreements with the US as well
Tuvalu consists of nine islands and is located about 3,500 kilometers northeast of Australia. The archipelago has an average height of just two meters above sea level. Its highest point is only five meters above the ocean, which means that the group of islands is at risk of disappearing from the map, as sea levels in the South Pacific are rising very quickly as a result of global warming.
The US has reached similar agreements with particularly vulnerable Pacific states, including Palau and the Marshall Islands. These include the exchange of economic aid as well as military access to strategically important maritime areas.
LR/LE (DPA, RTR, OTS)
