Why in NEWS
Tuvalu will become the first nation to relocate its citizens abroad due to climate change, under the Falepili Union Treaty with Australia.
Key Terms
| Key Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Falepili Union Treaty (2023) | Agreement under which Australia will accept 280 Tuvaluans annually through a ballot-based “climate visa” starting 2025. |
| Climate Visa | Special visa granting permanent residency and equal rights in Australia to Tuvaluans displaced by climate change. |
| Sea-Level Rise | Increase in ocean levels due to melting ice caps and thermal expansion, threatening low-lying nations. |
Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Reason for Relocation | Rising sea levels predicted to submerge most of Tuvalu by 2050 (NASA). |
| Eligibility & Rights | 280 Tuvaluans annually, equal rights to healthcare, education, housing, and jobs. |
| Return Option | Residents may return if conditions improve, though worsening floods and storms make this unlikely. |
| Geography | Average elevation of 2m above sea level; consists of nine islands in the South Pacific Ocean. |
| History & Demography | Formerly Ellice Islands, gained independence in 1978, population ~11,000. |
| Economy | Relies on fishing licences, Tuvalu Trust Fund supports projects in education and fisheries. |
In a nutshell
Memory Code: “Tuvalu’s 280 Step to Safety” – 280 citizens per year migrate for survival.
Prelims Practice Questions
- Consider the following statements about Tuvalu:
- It is a member of the Commonwealth.
- It has rivers and freshwater lakes.
- It consists of both reef islands and coral atolls.
Which of the above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
- Which of the following is the capital of Tuvalu?
a) Tarawa
b) Apia
c) Funafuti
d) Nukuʻalofa - The Falepili Union Treaty is related to:
a) Pacific trade cooperation
b) Climate migration of Tuvaluans to Australia
c) Maritime boundary settlement
d) Tourism promotion in Polynesia
Prelims Answers & Explanations
| Q No. | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | b | Tuvalu is a Commonwealth member, has no rivers, and consists of reef islands and coral atolls. |
| 2 | c | Funafuti is Tuvalu’s capital. |
| 3 | b | Treaty allows relocation of Tuvaluans to Australia due to climate change impacts. |
