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“For Tuvalu, rising sea levels are not a future threat, but a current reality,” he said, describing the Pacific island nation’s efforts to protect its physical territory and identity as the climate crisis changes its environment.
Mr Teo said Tuvalu had reclaimed 15.3 hectares of high, flood-free land in the island’s capital Funafuti through a coastal adaptation project, and another 10 hectares was being reclaimed.
For a country whose land area is only around 26 square kilometers, he said, this is a significant adjustment.
At the same time, Tuvalu uses digital technologies to preserve its sovereignty, institutions and national identity, including through initiatives designed to preserve its cultural and historical heritage in digital form.
Nationality ‘non-negotiable’
The Prime Minister strongly welcomed the UN Political Declaration on Sea Level Rise supported by member states, and described it as a “monumental and gratifying achievement” for the country at the forefront of efforts to reach the agreement.
Among his commitments, he highlighted recognition of the continuation of statehood and sovereignty despite rising sea levels, the perpetuation of maritime zones and rights established under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the protection of the dignity, culture, identity and heritage of affected communities.
“This declaration confirms that Tuvaluan citizenship is non-negotiable, that our maritime rights cannot be erased, and that our people should not be forced to choose between their homeland and their future,” he said.
‘The world must act now’
Mr Teo warned that by surpassing the global temperature target of 1.5°C that was inevitable for some time, the shift away from fossil fuel use would become more orderly, fair and equitable.
Tuvalu calls for decisive action to reduce methane and carbon dioxide emissions, while championing Pacific-led initiatives such as the Tassiriki Call for a Fossil Fuel-Free Pacific and the Funafuti Call for Climate Justice and Climate Action.
He also welcomed the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, which calls for adequate, predictable and timely funding, provided as grants, to support countries already experiencing unavoidable climate impacts.
“The world must now act decisively, collectively and urgently to protect the future of future generations,” he said.
A ‘great ocean nation’
The Prime Minister also placed the ocean at the center of Tuvalu’s development and security. Even though it only has a land area of 26 square kilometers, this country has an ocean area of around 750,000 square kilometers.
“Marine governance is not just environmental policy,” he said. “This is also a matter of economic security, food security and climate security.”
With the world going off track Sustainable Development GoalsMr Teo urged accelerated action on SDG 14, on life below water, and greater international support for Pacific-led climate finance and resilience.
In closing, he stressed that even the smallest countries can lead on adaptation, ocean management and international law, warning that “national leadership cannot replace global responsibility.”
