Tuvalu Under Threat From Climate Change

 

Climate change is becoming a security risk for nations of Oceania and the Pacific Ocean region. Tuvalu's concern relates to the increase in water levels. Tuvalu seeing the increase water levels of the Pacific Ocean means certain islands could go under. Flooding become a danger to people, property, and the economic conditions of the country. Realizing climate change is not slowing down, one solution involved an agreement with Australia. A climate change visa has been proposed. This allows Tuvaluans  to relocate to Australia due to environmental challenges. The climate change visa is not a permanent method to address climate induced disasters. Residence of Tuvalu might not want to move to another country. Australia cannot be expected to take all people from various Pacific Ocean states. Environmental protection needs to be a priority for governments across the world. The dependence on fossil fuel undermines efforts to address climate concerns. Rising sea levels are also going to effect Australia. Those living on the coast or close by the ocean makes it unsafe for residence. The climate change related visa is the first of its kind. Some Tuvaluans  applied for the new visa. Adjusting to a new country can be difficult. Australians might not want to see more  immigration . Tuvalu's population is smaller than Australia's. According to Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Tuvalu's population is 11,204 people. Tuvalu gained independence in 1978 and since has strived for economic development. Tuvalu has tourism potential, yet climate change remains a hinderance. Tuvalu and other members of the Pacific Islands Forum must develop new innovations to combat the effects of climate change.      

Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa and Samoa's New Political Era

Fiame Naomi Mata' afa  became prime minister of Samoa in may of 2021. She is the first woman to do so and this marks a significant change in the island's politics. Since 1998, Tuilaepa Sa' ilele Maleiegaoi had been prime minister. The Human Rights Protection Party held dominance for close to 40 years. Then a wave of change occurred. Prime Minister Maleiegoi refused to accept election results. That triggered a constitutional crisis. Once resolved, Mata' afa was able to take office. She is not new to politics. Her career as a politician started back in 1985 serving in parliament. Her family  has a history of being active in politics. Fiame's father Mata' afa  Faumunia Mulinu' u was Samoa's first prime minister. There may not be any radical change with a longtime establishment figure in power. Unpopular bills that were introduced that undermined the  independence of the judiciary. This caused the formation of a new political party known as Fa' atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi  Party.  Tuilaepa Sa' ilele Maleiegaoi has vowed to maintain staunch opposition to the  FAST  Party. The challenges are not only domestic. Relations with China, climate change, and the current status of the Pacific Island Forum are concerns. Samoa may need to extend diplomacy into the wider Oceania region.