Tuvalu is battling rising seas, but land reclamation can’t stop the tide. Most islanders want out — climate migration is no longer tomorrow’s threat, but today’s reality.

Funafuti

Tuvalu, a small island nation in the Pacific, is experiencing severe impacts from climate change, with rising sea levels threatening to submerge much of its land. Scientists predict that by the end of the century, 90% of Tuvalu could be underwater, and half may become uninhabitable within a few decades. The country faces additional challenges such as overcrowding, limited job opportunities, and rising living costs. 

In response, major land reclamation projects are underway, funded by international partners, but many residents are seeking to migrate. Around 80% of the population have applied for the Falipili visa, a migration agreement with Australia that offers permanent residency and access to social services. This migration is causing divisions within families, as some choose to leave while others remain hopeful about Tuvalu's future.

Tuvalu is sinking — what's next for residents?

Every workday begins with a ride through paradise. A one-of-a-kind island world. From the shore to the open Pacific, it's a journey he knows by heart. Even as a boy, he knew what to look out for. Birds above means fish below. And with any luck, they'll lead him to a big catch. But to find that, Christopher has to venture further and further out. A rainbow mackerel. Not much, but better than nothing. But then... This one is a little bit bigger. Still not a prized tuna, but a mahi-mahi, also known as a golden mackerel. A good catch, but every fish is a hard-won battle. The water keeps getting warmer. Climate change hit this South Pacific nation long ago. I feel very sad and very emotional because of the situation. It's not going to happen, it's already happening. We're living it now. So, for the next generation, it's getting worse and worse. I'm worried about my kids. Scientists predict that by the end of this century, 90% of this narrow strip of land will be underwater. And in just 20 to 30 years, half of it could be uninhabitable. Tuvalu's future looks bleak, and even the present is a challenge. With few job opportunities, poor health care and limited access to education. Long-standing problems that won't improve as the sea continues to claim more land. It's already far too crowded. Over 3,000 people live on a single square kilometre. The runway of the country's only airport doubles as the only open space for young people to let off steam. To create more space and protect Tuvalu from flooding, major land reclamation is underway. Funded mainly by the United Nations, Australia and New Zealand. Just here in the south of the main island, new land is being added. An area nearly the size of six soccer fields plus a five metre high seawall. In some places, the island is suddenly twice as wide as before. But is it enough? Or is it just buying Tuvalu more time? Many islanders have already made up their minds. Around 80% want to leave and have applied for what's called the Falipili visa, a migration agreement with Australia and the first of its kind to address the impacts of climate change. It guarantees permanent residency, a work permit and access to social services. For the Prime Minister, this climate migration of up to 280 people per year could pose a serious challenge for the island's future. Not Belinda Maleafu. She wants to leave as soon as possible. She's applied for a visa for her family. 27 years in Tuvalu are enough for the mother of three. She wants to move to Australia and live a better life. Even if that means leaving behind her parents, her brother and his family. She doesn't like talking about climate change. But she senses that daily life will only get harder. The cost of living is actually increasing rapidly year after year. The other challenge is the shipment of goods. Sometimes we run out of food before the next shipment comes in. And so we have to try and improvise on whatever that's available here in the island to try and provide for the family. Her brother and his family, on the other hand, want to stay. They haven't applied for a visa. Different views on Tuvalu's future are dividing families. This is a part of the future of Tuvalu, where new development will be made. And it's good. It's good for the future of Tuvalu. Belinda Maleafu isn't convinced. But Tuvalu will always have a place in her heart. Belinda Maleafu isn't convinced. But Tuvalu will always have a place in her heart. Definitely I will miss it, of course. Like I've mentioned before, I will miss the uniqueness of the sea. Because here in the sea, we Tuvalans, we love to go and swim and eat the raw fish. And you don't do that in places like Australia. Christopher is back from fishing. Six hours out on the water. The catch? Just so-so. Usually I go, I went out fishing and arrived with about 20 plus, 30 plus. This time he drags just six mackerel up the new seawall. Not enough to support his family long term. That's why he too has reluctantly applied for a visa to Australia. We don't have much on the island. If climate change really hit us, there's no other place to go. Of course he'd much rather stay. Here in the paradise that he calls home. you

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