The Audio Long Read Best of 2025: Life in a ‘sinking nation’: Tuvalu’s dreams of dry land
Dec 22, 2025
Explore Tuvalu's precarious future as rising sea levels threaten to submerge the nation. Hear about Simon Kofi's ambitious vision of a digital Tuvalu at COP27, as well as the emotional struggles faced by the youth grappling with the idea of disappearing. Discover local skepticism about impending doom and the resilience of residents engaged in land reclamation efforts. Delve into how the economy relies on the .tv domain and fishing licenses while examining potential migration pathways for a new beginning.
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Digital Nation Was A Publicity Strategy
- Tuvalu's COP27 'digital nation' stunt was mainly a publicity device to grab global attention.
- The video highlighted state survival questions but glossed over where people would actually live.
Airstrip As The Island's Town Square
- The airport airstrip doubles as Funafuti's community square after 5pm, hosting sports and picnics.
- Mikhail Sen observed families laying mats and people stopping for prayer when church bells rang.
Constitutional Fix For Perpetual Statehood
- Tuvalu amended its constitution to assert perpetual statehood even if territory is lost.
- This raises novel international-law questions about maritime rights and sovereignty for submerged states.