Tuvalu could become the first completely digitised country in the metaverse if climate change inaction continues

The low-lying Pacific nation of Tuvalu is currently experiencing the effects of rising sea levels like no other.

The country is home to nearly 12,000 people but climate change and rising sea levels could force the entire archipelago underwater in a matter of decades.

In fact, Tuvaluan lawmakers believe the country could become completely digitised in the metaverse as they seek to secure a future.

“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,” said Simon Kofe, who is the nation’s foreign affairs minister.

Mr Kofe addressed delegates of the COP27 climate summit in Egypt.

He said it is time world leaders looked towards alternative solutions to save his country.

The small island nation has been asking world leaders to act and adhere to commitments made in the 2015 Paris Agreement.

“But because the world has not acted, we must. 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,” Mr Kofe said.

His speech highlighted the need for digital sovereignty to preserve Tuvalu’s culture, place, identity, and statehood.

The Tuvalu Government will build digital replicas of its nine atolls under the Future Now Project.

It will depict an accurate and virtual model of the real-world environment.

Documents, records of cultural practices, family albums and traditional songs are among those set to enter the metaverse.

The virtual-reality space allows users to interact with a computer-generated environment.