Tuvalu’s Defense Statement for Climate

Change
Tuvalu, a small island nation highly vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate
change, need to be emphasized for the urgent need for robust defense measures in the
climate change as a global crisis. With it’s unique geography and limited land area, is acutely
susceptible to the rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ocean acidification resulting
from climate change. These threats not only endanger our livelihoods but also undermine our
sovereignty and cultural heritage. It is imperative that we act now, with determination and
solidarity to mitigate these risks and secure a sustainable future for Tuvalu, the country itself.

To support our claim that we, the country Tuvalu, are in need of help due to the climate
changes, we draw upon several sources of literature.

1. Disproportionate Impact: Tuvalu, as a small island developing state, bears the brunt of
climate change impacts, including rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and extreme weather
events. The adverse effects on our economy, infrastructure, and social fabric are well-
documented. The literature unequivocally demonstrates the disproportionate impact on
countries like Tuvalu:
- "Climate Change and Small Island Developing States"
https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/02/WGIIAR5-Chap29_FINAL.pdf
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report emphasizes the unique
vulnerabilities and challenges faced by small island nations. It underscores the need for
international support to address their specific circumstances and mitigate the impacts.

- "The Impact of Sea-Level Rise on Tuvalu"

https://legal.un.org/ilc/sessions/73/pdfs/english/slr_unep.pdf
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) study provides concrete evidence of the
devastating consequences of rising sea levels on Tuvalu's coastal ecosystems and
communities. This research underscores the urgent need for financial assistance to adapt and
build resilience.

2. Limited Financial Capacity: Tuvalu, with its limited land area and meager resources, faces
significant constraints in generating substantial financial contributions. Our economy heavily
relies on subsistence agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, which are all susceptible to climate
change impacts. The literature further supports this reality:

- "National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) for Tuvalu"

https://unfccc.int/resource/docs/napa/tuv01.pdf

Our own government's strategic plan highlights the financial constraints and resource
limitations faced in implementing adaptation measures. It emphasizes the need for
international support to bridge the financial gap and build climate resilience.

- "Financing for Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Small Island Developing States"

https://read.oecd-ilibrary.org/development/climate-and-disaster-resilience-financing-in-small-
island-developing-states_9789264266919-en

This report by an international organization specialized in climate finance discusses the

financial challenges faced by small island developing states and the importance of
international assistance to address these constraints.

3. Historical Responsibility: Tuvalu, as a low-emitting country with a minimal contribution to

global greenhouse gas emissions, bears little responsibility for causing the climate crisis. The
principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, widely acknowledged in international
climate agreements, recognizes the historical and disproportionate contributions of developed
responsibilities and respective capabilities. It underscores the importance of developed
nations providing financial and technological assistance to countries like Tuvalu. Literature
supporting this principle includes:

- "Equity and Climate Change: An Analytical Review of Principles and Concepts"

https://deliverypdf.ssrn.com/delivery.php?
ID=674066092020082071124003003081017101006046007020059034127036033019002019
014059101120068071091112070080058079075105120117094102089000106087097122119
070027110103084027125127021094029066089074&EXT=pdf&INDEX=TRUE

This publication provides an in-depth analysis of equity principles in the context of climate
change. It highlights the need for burden-sharing that considers historical responsibility and
the capabilities of different nations.

- The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

https://unfccc.int/resource/docs/convkp/conveng.pdf

This international treaty explicitly acknowledges the principle of common but differentiated
responsibilities and respective capabilities. It underscores the importance of developed
nations providing financial and technological assistance to countries like Tuvalu.