Tuvalu could become first digital-only nation

Low-lying Pacific nation Tuvalu has become the first nation to announce a migration to the metaverse in protest against continued inaction against climate change.

The nation, which has been asking world leaders to adhere to commitments made in the 2015 Paris Agreement for years, has revealed an intent to build digital replicas of all its islands for the metaverse.

The campaign is aimed at highlighting the fact that Tuvalu could soon be completely underwater in a matter of decades due to rising sea levels connected to climate change.

During a presentation at the UN Climate Change Conference COP27, Tuvalu Minister for Justice, Communication & Foreign Affairs Simon Kofe said digitising the country may be the only way to secure a future for the nation.

“As a progressive nation, we are excited at the opportunity for Tuvalu to exist in the metaverse — but not to the extent of losing our lands. The tragedy of this outcome cannot be overstated. But because the world has not acted, we must,” he said.

“Tuvalu could be the first country in the world to exist solely in cyberspace — but if global warming continues unchecked, it won’t be the last.”

Kofe called on global citizens to assist Tuvalu by holding their own governments accountable to existing commitments to the Paris Agreement. As part of the campaign, the nation is hosting pre-written letters for people to send to their local government representatives.

For its migration to the metaverse, Tuvalu is planning to digitise historical documents, records of cultural practices, family albums and traditional songs among other key information, and is exploring how to shift government operations online so it can continue to fully function as a sovereign state even if the land disappears.

Image credit: iStock.com/rarrarorro