UN COP26 (2021), Tuvalu’s foreign minister gives his speech to the climate summit while standing knee-deep in seawater to raise his voice against the climate crisis. He shows how his low-lying pacific island nation is on the frontline of climate change, and under threat.
Simon Kofe standing in a suit and tie at a lectern set up in the sea has been widely shared on social media. It also shows how Tuvalu’s struggle against rising sea level. Kofe said in his speech, ‘’ the statement juxtaposes the COP26 setting with the real-life situations faced in Tuvalu due to the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise.’’
Net zero-emission by 2050
In the conference, it is pushed by regional leaders to take more aggressive actions to limit the impacts of climate change. Polluters asserted to intensify their use of carbon to overcome carbon emission. Some aims at net-zero carbon emission by 2050.
Meanwhile, pacific island leaders demanded immediate action. Also, asserted the risk associated with climate change and the survival of low-lying countries.
Tuvalu’s highest point is just 4.5 meters above sea level, making it more vulnerable to change. According to a 2011 Australian government report, the sea level has risen about 0.5 centimetres per year, since 1993.
Hence, Kofe delivered his speech at a place that used to be dry land. Tuvalu is seeing a lot of coastal erosion as well. Talking about the residents, Kofe said that one thing is very clear- that the people have a very close tie to their land.’’
Relocation of Tuvalu
Mr. Kofe said that no matter what conditions we face, we are looking at legal ways to keep the ownership of its maritime zone. And also recognize as state, even if it’s submerge due to climate change. As we are imaging worst case scenario where we forced to relocate.
This conference was very important to raise the alarm and negotiate about important issues. And many activists are hopeful for better results.
