Environmental Vulnerability and Climate Change Impacts in Tuvalu: Implications for Sustainability in a Low-Lying Island Nation
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Abstract:
Tuvalu is among the most environmentally vulnerable nations globally due to its extremely low elevation, limited land area, and strong dependence on fragile coastal and marine ecosystems. This paper presents a comprehensive assessment of environmental vulnerability in Tuvalu, integrating climate change trends, sea-level rise, coastal erosion, freshwater scarcity, ecosystem degradation, and socio-environmental impacts. A descriptive–analytical methodology based on secondary data from peer-reviewed literature and international assessments was employed. Results indicate that accelerating sea-level rise and increasingly frequent coastal flooding pose existential risks to land habitability, while saltwater intrusion and rainfall variability severely constrain freshwater resources. Degradation of coral reef ecosystems further undermines food security and natural coastal protection. The study highlights the urgent need for ecosystem-based adaptation, resilient water management, and sustained international climate support.
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Refference:
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