IB Geography Societies with Contrasting Vulnerabilities

Tuvalu

Located in the South Pacific, group of 9 islands & atolls, maximum elevation of 5m above sea level, 12000 permanent residents, total land area 26 km2.

Tuvalu Social Processes

Many of the residents are already living close to the poverty line and climate change is putting enormous strain on the human population

Tuvalu Economic Processes

Agriculture, Fishing and Tourism are all impacted by sea level rise and warming temperatures

Tuvalu Environmental Processes

Saltwater Intrusion, Inundation during high tides and storms, Soil becoming unusable for agriculture, Coral Bleaching and decreasing fish stocks are the main causes of concern

Tuvalu Political Processes

Government already looking to relocate the islanders, as staying on Tuvalu is looking increasingly difficult. This will be unpopular and expensive. Population may move to Fiji, 4000 have already relocated to New Zealand

Tuvalu Power

Tuvalu’s contribution to Global Climate Change is negligible, yet the negative impacts of many aspects of the changes impact this country more than most. It is very difficult to get their voice heard when Global leaders meet.

Tuvalu Possibilities

Building/strengthening sea walls, dredging sediments to create higher elevations, leaving Tuvalu altogether (climate refugees). The 4000 who have already relocated in New Zealand are the first climate refugees due to the current climate change issues.