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Tuvalu: Beneath The Rising Tide [2019]

152 images Created 28 May 2019

FOR LICENSING ENQUIRIES, PLEASE EMAIL SEAN@GALLAGHER-PHOTO.COM

Tuvalu is on the front line of climate change.

This unique country is made up of a series of nine islands and coral atolls totalling only 26 square kilometres in land area, spread out near the equator in the western Pacific Ocean.

With an average elevation of only one meter above sea level, the United Nations has predicted that it may be the first nation to disappear, as a result of rising sea levels.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that global sea levels will rise on average between 30-110cm by 2100, if carbon emissions stay at current levels. This will immediately affect hundreds of millions of people who live within a few meters of current sea levels.

The fourth smallest country in the world and one of the least visited, the plight of Tuvalu’s 11,000 residents has been overlooked and underreported.

Each year, seasonal ‘king tides’ inundate the islands of Tuvalu, severely flooding large swathes of the country between the months of January and March.

Additionally, the erosion of land, saltwater encroachment during storm surges and
difficulties with waste management, all
exacerbate the problems Tuvalu faces.

Sean Gallagher travelled to Tuvalu in March 2019 to document the environmental challenges the country currently faces. This is the latest chapter in his long-term work chronicling the effects of climate change in the Asia-Pacific region.
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  • A truck and motorbikes pass through a dumpsite at the northern end of Fongafale island. Waste management is a problem for an island nation such as Tuvalu that's located in a remote corner of the pacific Ocean. At the moment, solid waste is collected in this one location however it lies just metres away from the central lagoon and ocean threatening the local ecosystem. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-001.JPG
  • A dumpsite at the northern end of Fongafale island. Waste management is a problem for an island nation such as Tuvalu that's located in a remote corner of the pacific Ocean. At the moment, solid waste is collected in this one location however it lies just metres away from the central lagoon and ocean threatening the local ecosystem. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-002.JPG
  • The trucks of fallen coconut trees in the shallows of Funafuti atoll, Tuvalu. Erosion of land is an inevitable consequence of life in a coral atoll nation. As sea levels rise and increased threats from storm surges and extreme weather events occur, the land of Tuvalu will increasingly become fragile and prone to erosion. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-003.JPG
  • An aerial view of a dumpsite at the northern end of Fongafale island. Waste management is a problem for an island nation such as Tuvalu that's located in a remote corner of the pacific Ocean. At the moment, solid waste is collected in this one location however it lies just metres away from the central lagoon and ocean threatening the local ecosystem. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-004.JPG
  • An aerial view of a dumpsite at the northern end of Fongafale island. Waste management is a problem for an island nation such as Tuvalu that's located in a remote corner of the pacific Ocean. At the moment, solid waste is collected in this one location however it lies just metres away from the central lagoon and ocean threatening the local ecosystem. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-005.JPG
  • The shadow of a palm tree lies across the shallows in Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-006.JPG
  • An aerial view of a dumpsite at the northern end of Fongafale island. Waste management is a problem for an island nation such as Tuvalu that's located in a remote corner of the pacific Ocean. At the moment, solid waste is collected in this one location however it lies just metres away from the central lagoon and ocean threatening the local ecosystem. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-007.JPG
  • Seen from above, it's easy to see why the Southwest Pacific country of Tuvalu has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change. The country is made up of a collection of small islands and coral atolls, totalling only 27 square kilometres, scattered over 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. The highest point throughout the country is only 5 metres above sea level, resulting in special vulnerability to sea level rise. According to the Tuvaluan government, "since 1993, sea level near Tuvalu has risen about 5mm per year; this is larger than the global average." Other challenges face the country including drought, ocean acidification and waste problems. Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-008.JPG
  • Seen from above, it's easy to see why the Southwest Pacific country of Tuvalu has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change. The country is made up of a collection of small islands and coral atolls, totalling only 27 square kilometres, scattered over 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. The highest point throughout the country is only 5 metres above sea level, resulting in special vulnerability to sea level rise. According to the Tuvaluan government, "since 1993, sea level near Tuvalu has risen about 5mm per year; this is larger than the global average." Other challenges face the country including drought, ocean acidification and waste problems. Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-009.JPG
  • Seen from above, it's easy to see why the Southwest Pacific country of Tuvalu has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change. The country is made up of a collection of small islands and coral atolls, totalling only 27 square kilometres, scattered over 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. The highest point throughout the country is only 5 metres above sea level, resulting in special vulnerability to sea level rise. According to the Tuvaluan government, "since 1993, sea level near Tuvalu has risen about 5mm per year; this is larger than the global average." Other challenges face the country including drought, ocean acidification and waste problems. Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-010.JPG
  • A boat sits offshore from an island in the Funafuti atoll. Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-011.JPG
  • Seen from above, it's easy to see why the Southwest Pacific country of Tuvalu has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change. The country is made up of a collection of small islands and coral atolls, totalling only 27 square kilometres, scattered over 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. The highest point throughout the country is only 5 metres above sea level, resulting in special vulnerability to sea level rise. According to the Tuvaluan government, "since 1993, sea level near Tuvalu has risen about 5mm per year; this is larger than the global average." Other challenges face the country including drought, ocean acidification and waste problems.
    Tuvalu-19-05-012.JPG
  • As well as rising seas in Tuvalu, there are also other threats that lurk just offshore. In this image, South Korean fishing vessels refuel and restock as they pass by Tuvalu. The waters surounding Tuvalu are rich with marine life, but a steady stream of international fishing vessels pass through the country's waters daily, stripping sea life from the water by using bottom trawling nets which drag along the sea floor to collect fish. Other non-target species are often inevitably caught during this process. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-013.JPG
  • Seen from above, it's easy to see why the Southwest Pacific country of Tuvalu has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change. The country is made up of a collection of small islands and coral atolls, totalling only 27 square kilometres, scattered over 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. The highest point throughout the country is only 5 metres above sea level, resulting in special vulnerability to sea level rise. According to the Tuvaluan government, "since 1993, sea level near Tuvalu has risen about 5mm per year; this is larger than the global average." Other challenges face the country including drought, ocean acidification and waste problems. Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-014.JPG
  • A motorbike (bottom-right) passes through Funafuti port. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-015.JPG
  • An earth mover lies abandoned and prone to the waves of the Pacific Ocean in Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-016.JPG
  • Seen from above, it's easy to see why the Southwest Pacific country of Tuvalu has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change. The country is made up of a collection of small islands and coral atolls, totalling only 27 square kilometres, scattered over 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. The highest point throughout the country is only 5 metres above sea level, resulting in special vulnerability to sea level rise. According to the Tuvaluan government, "since 1993, sea level near Tuvalu has risen about 5mm per year; this is larger than the global average." Other challenges face the country including drought, ocean acidification and waste problems. Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-017.JPG
  • Children play in the shallows of a beach in Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-018.JPG
  • Seen from above, it's easy to see why the Southwest Pacific country of Tuvalu has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change. The country is made up of a collection of small islands and coral atolls, totalling only 27 square kilometres, scattered over 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. The highest point throughout the country is only 5 metres above sea level, resulting in special vulnerability to sea level rise. According to the Tuvaluan government, "since 1993, sea level near Tuvalu has risen about 5mm per year; this is larger than the global average." Other challenges face the country including drought, ocean acidification and waste problems. Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-019.JPG
  • A land reclamation project in central Funafuti to provide new buildings for the local government. Seen from above, it's easy to see why the Southwest Pacific country of Tuvalu has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change. The country is made up of a collection of small islands and coral atolls, totalling only 27 square kilometres, scattered over 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. The highest point throughout the country is only 5 metres above sea level, resulting in special vulnerability to sea level rise. According to the Tuvaluan government, "since 1993, sea level near Tuvalu has risen about 5mm per year; this is larger than the global average." Other challenges face the country including drought, ocean acidification and waste problems. Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-020.JPG
  • An aerial view of downtown Funafuti, the capital of Tuvalu. Seen from above, it's easy to see why the Southwest Pacific country of Tuvalu has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change. The country is made up of a collection of small islands and coral atolls, totalling only 27 square kilometres, scattered over 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. The highest point throughout the country is only 5 metres above sea level, resulting in special vulnerability to sea level rise. According to the Tuvaluan government, "since 1993, sea level near Tuvalu has risen about 5mm per year; this is larger than the global average." Other challenges face the country including drought, ocean acidification and waste problems. Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-021.JPG
  • An old bus is inundated by waves from Funafuti lagoon, during the king tides which cause flooding from January through to March in Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-022.JPG
  • A rainbow hangs over the Pacific Ocean, just of off the coastline of Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-023.JPG
  • A small fishing boat is moored in Funafuti lagoon, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-024.JPG
  • Seen from above, it's easy to see why the Southwest Pacific country of Tuvalu has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change. The country is made up of a collection of small islands and coral atolls, totalling only 27 square kilometres, scattered over 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. The highest point throughout the country is only 5 metres above sea level, resulting in special vulnerability to sea level rise. According to the Tuvaluan government, "since 1993, sea level near Tuvalu has risen about 5mm per year; this is larger than the global average." Other challenges face the country including drought, ocean acidification and waste problems. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-025.JPG
  • Children play on a trampoline in Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-026.JPG
  • A couple on a motorbike pass through the narrowest point of Fongafale island in the Funafuti atoll. On the left side is the Pacific Ocean and on the right side in the lagoon at the centre of the Funafuti atoll. The coral island atoll nation has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable islands to climate change. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-027.JPG
  • A small fishing boat is moored in Funafuti lagoon, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-028.JPG
  • Waves from the Pacific Ocean crash onto the shoreline of Funafuti, Tuvalu. The coral island atoll nation has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable islands to climate change. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-029.JPG
  • Children play in abandoned home in central Funafuti. The Pacific island nation has seen an exodus of people who have already fled to countries such as New Zealand and Australia in search of better economic opportunities and less environmental threats. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-030.JPG
  • A construction site on reclaimed land in central Funafuti. The government has begun to reclaim some land in an attempt to expand the area of the world's 4th smallest country. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-031.JPG
  • A goalkeeper from a local football team kicks a ball during a game, next to the Funafuti International airport runway. There are only 4 flights in and out of Tuvalu each week, allowing the locals to use to airfield for recreational purposes when there are no flights expected. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-032.JPG
  • A man rides his motorbike and trailer along paths in Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-033.JPG
  • Seen from above, it's easy to see why the Southwest Pacific country of Tuvalu has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change. The country is made up of a collection of small islands and coral atolls, totalling only 27 square kilometres, scattered over 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. The highest point throughout the country is only 5 metres above sea level, resulting in special vulnerability to sea level rise. According to the Tuvaluan government, "since 1993, sea level near Tuvalu has risen about 5mm per year; this is larger than the global average." Other challenges face the country including drought, ocean acidification and waste problems. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-034.JPG
  • A local woman stands at the narrowest point of Fongafale island in the Funafuti atoll. On the left side is the Pacific Ocean and on the right side in the lagoon at the centre of the Funafuti atoll. The coral island atoll nation has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable islands to climate change. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-035.JPG
  • An aerial view of Fongafale island in the Funafuti atoll, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-036.JPG
  • An aerial view of Fongafale island in the Funafuti atoll, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-037.JPG
  • A young boy plays on a beach in Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-038.JPG
  • An aerial view of Fongafale island in the Funafuti atoll, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-039.JPG
  • Waves from the Pacific Ocean crash onto the shores of Funafuti, Tuvalu, during the king tides. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-040.JPG
  • A man lies on the ground during a football match being played on the Funafuti International airport runway. There are only 4 flights in and out of Tuvalu each week, allowing the locals to use to airfield for recreational purposes when there are no flights expected. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-041.JPG
  • Waves from the Pacific Ocean crash onto shore in Funafuti, Tuvalu. Seen from above, it's easy to see why the Southwest Pacific country of Tuvalu has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change. The country is made up of a collection of small islands and coral atolls, totalling only 27 square kilometres, scattered over 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. The highest point throughout the country is only 5 metres above sea level, resulting in special vulnerability to sea level rise. According to the Tuvaluan government, "since 1993, sea level near Tuvalu has risen about 5mm per year; this is larger than the global average." Other challenges face the country including drought, ocean acidification and waste problems. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-042.JPG
  • Waves from the Pacific Ocean crash onto shore in Funafuti, Tuvalu. Seen from above, it's easy to see why the Southwest Pacific country of Tuvalu has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change. The country is made up of a collection of small islands and coral atolls, totalling only 27 square kilometres, scattered over 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. The highest point throughout the country is only 5 metres above sea level, resulting in special vulnerability to sea level rise. According to the Tuvaluan government, "since 1993, sea level near Tuvalu has risen about 5mm per year; this is larger than the global average." Other challenges face the country including drought, ocean acidification and waste problems. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-043.JPG
  • Fallen trees in the shallows of Funafuti atoll, Tuvalu. Erosion of land is an inevitable consequence of life in a coral atoll nation. As sea levels rise and increased threats from storm surges and extreme weather events occur, the land of Tuvalu will increasingly become fragile and prone to erosion. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-044.JPG
  • Waves from the Pacific Ocean (left) crash onto shore in Funafuti, Tuvalu. Seen from above, it's easy to see why the Southwest Pacific country of Tuvalu has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change. The country is made up of a collection of small islands and coral atolls, totalling only 27 square kilometres, scattered over 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. The highest point throughout the country is only 5 metres above sea level, resulting in special vulnerability to sea level rise. According to the Tuvaluan government, "since 1993, sea level near Tuvalu has risen about 5mm per year; this is larger than the global average." Other challenges face the country including drought, ocean acidification and waste problems. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-045.JPG
  • A boy is seen from above as he rides a wave that is travelling in from the Pacific Ocean onto the Tuvaluan coastline. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-046.JPG
  • The trucks of fallen trees in the shallows of Funafuti atoll, Tuvalu. Erosion of land is an inevitable consequence of life in a coral atoll nation. As sea levels rise and increased threats from storm surges and extreme weather events occur, the land of Tuvalu will increasingly become fragile and prone to erosion. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-047.JPG
  • An aerial view of an island in the Funafuti atoll, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-048.JPG
  • A collapsed piece of land in Funafuti, Tuvalu. Erosion of land is an inevitable consequence of life in a coral atoll nation. As sea levels rise and increased threats from storm surges and extreme weather events occur, the land of Tuvalu will increasingly become fragile and prone to erosion. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-049.JPG
  • An aerial view of an island in the Funafuti atoll, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-050.JPG
  • Two women and a child sit on the Funafuti International airport runway. There are only 4 flights in and out of Tuvalu each week, allowing the locals to use to airfield for recreational purposes when there are no flights expected. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-051.JPG
  • A family sit on the Funafuti International airport runway. There are only 4 flights in and out of Tuvalu each week, allowing the locals to use to airfield for recreational purposes when there are no flights expected. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-052.JPG
  • A father and child sit on the Funafuti International airport runway. There are only 4 flights in and out of Tuvalu each week, allowing the locals to use to airfield for recreational purposes when there are no flights expected. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-053.JPG
  • A family play on the Funafuti International airport runway. There are only 4 flights in and out of Tuvalu each week, allowing the locals to use to airfield for recreational purposes when there are no flights expected. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-054.JPG
  • The wreck of a boat left by American forces during their stationing on Tuvalu during World War 2. The island nation was a key position in the Pacific theatre and was home to some 6000 American troops who launched aerial raids against Japanese forces further north. Now, the rusting remains of equipment can occasionally be found on the islands, still standing where they were left seven decades previous. Funafuti atoll, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-055.JPG
  • The wreck of the ship 'Van Camp' lies off of the coast of the island of Fongafale in the Funafuti atoll. The ship ran aground during a typhoon in the 1970's. The last remnants of the ship's shell are slowly disappearing to the ocean, as modern vessels (in background) continue to ply the waters nearby. Tuvalu is made up of a collection of small islands and coral atolls, totalling only 27 square kilometres, scattered over 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. The highest point throughout the country is only 5 metres above sea level, resulting in special vulnerability to sea level rise.  Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-056.JPG
  • An aerial view of an island in the Funafuti atoll, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-057.JPG
  • The wreck of a boat left by American forces during their stationing on Tuvalu during World War 2. The island nation was a key position in the Pacific theatre and was home to some 6000 American troops who launched aerial raids against Japanese forces further north. Now, the rusting remains of equipment can occasionally be found on the islands, still standing where they were left seven decades previous. Funafuti atoll, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-058.JPG
  • The trucks of fallen trees (bottom) in the shallows of Funafuti atoll, Tuvalu. Erosion of land is an inevitable consequence of life in a coral atoll nation. As sea levels rise and increased threats from storm surges and extreme weather events occur, the land of Tuvalu will increasingly become fragile and prone to erosion. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-059.JPG
  • A boat speeds through the shallows of Funafuti atoll, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-060.JPG
  • Tourists walk towards a small island in the Funafuti atoll, during low tide. Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-061.JPG
  • "Unless the global community steps up our actions to significantly lower green house gas emissions...Tuvalu will dissapear completely within the next 30-50 years", said Tuvaluan Prime Minister Enele Sosene Sopoanga in his address to the United Nations General Assembly in 2017. As this young boy swung from a tree on one of Tuvalu's coral atoll islands, the danger and concern is not immediately evident but the slowly rising seas threaten this jewel in the Pacific.  Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-062.JPG
  • Two young girls outside a church during a service in Funafuti. Over 95% of people in Tuvalu are of the Christian faith and attend church regularly. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-063.JPG
  • A man reads from the bible during a church service in Funafuti. Over 95% of people in Tuvalu are of the Christian faith and attend church regularly. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-064.JPG
  • A Tuvaluan woman looks out from a boat as it passes through the Funafuti atoll, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-065.JPG
  • Coral appear under the waves near an island in the Funafuti atoll, Tuvalu. According to the UN, "Many coral species are highly vulnerable to heat stress. Scientists suggest that a 1 deg Celsius increase in average water temperature will cause coral reefs to die – a process know as coral bleaching. Tuvalu is experiencing a small amount of coral bleaching and this is expected to rise. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that in the next 30 to 50 years coral bleaching events will occur every year. With coral dying, Tuvalu will lose its fish stocks - a principle source of protein for island communities like Tuvalu." March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-066.JPG
  • The bleached trucks of dead trees in the Funafuti atoll, Tuvalu. Erosion of land is an inevitable consequence of life in a coral atoll nation. As sea levels rise and increased threats from storm surges and extreme weather events occur, the land of Tuvalu will increasingly become fragile and prone to erosion. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-067.JPG
  • A bird flies near trees on an island in the Funafuti atoll, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-068.JPG
  • People play volleyball next to a flooded area near the airport runway, in downtown Funafuti. Parts of the island flood at this time of the year due to the 'king tides'. The king tides are seasonal and are characterised by very high water levels in the surrounding ocean. At this time of year the waves inundate the coastline but also water seeps up through the ground which is made of porous coral. This natural phenomenon is particularly serious for Tuvalu, a low-lying atoll island nation, whose highest point is only a few metres above sea level. As sea levels rise, the king tides regularly flood parts of the island and will likely increase in severity in the future, potentially making large parts of the nation uninhabitable. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-069.JPG
  • A boy runs next to a flooded area near the airport runway, in downtown Funafuti. Parts of the island flood at this time of the year due to the 'king tides'. The king tides are seasonal and are characterised by very high water levels in the surrounding ocean. At this time of year the waves inundate the coastline but also water seeps up through the ground which is made of porous coral. This natural phenomenon is particularly serious for Tuvalu, a low-lying atoll island nation, whose highest point is only a few metres above sea level. As sea levels rise, the king tides regularly flood parts of the island and will likely increase in severity in the future, potentially making large parts of the nation uninhabitable. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-070.JPG
  • Aloito Vaivasa, 26, a fisherman, stands near the shoreline in central Funafuti, the capital of the small Pacific nation of Tuvalu. Land poor micro-states in the region are some of the most vulnerable to climate change impacts. This has driven many to flee their homelands, in fear of the potential environmental catastophes their countries are vulnerable to, and also in search of higher incomes through better job opportunities provided by other larger countries. It is estimated nearly 20% of Tuvalu's population have left and reside in other countries such as New Zealand and Australia. Young adults are the most likely to leave, with the older generation most likely to stay. A recent report by The Australian National University estimates by 2050, "47% of Tuvaluan adults (4,900 people)...will want to migrate but [will] be unable to do so", with limiting factors being financial and available places on migration programs to other countries.
    Tuvalu-19-05-071.JPG
  • Cameron Isala, 25, a fisherman, stands near the shoreline in central Funafuti, the capital of the small Pacific nation of Tuvalu. Land poor micro-states in the region are some of the most vulnerable to climate change impacts. This has driven many to flee their homelands, in fear of the potential environmental catastophes their countries are vulnerable to, and also in search of higher incomes through better job opportunities provided by other larger countries. It is estimated nearly 20% of Tuvalu's population have left and reside in other countries such as New Zealand and Australia. Young adults are the most likely to leave, with the older generation most likely to stay. A recent report by The Australian National University estimates by 2050, "47% of Tuvaluan adults (4,900 people)...will want to migrate but [will] be unable to do so", with limiting factors being financial and available places on migration programs to other countries. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-072.JPG
  • Just offshore one of Tuvalu's beaches, a piece of machinery has stood against the waves for more than 70 years. It is a piece of machinery left by American forces during their stationing on Tuvalu during World War 2. The island nation was a key position in the Pacific theatre and was home to some 6000 American troops who launched aerial raids against Japanese forces further north. Now, the rusting remains of equipment can occasionally be found on the islands, still standing where they were left seven deacdes previous. Vakai Tui, 24, stands near one of these pieces of equipment near a beach on the main island of Fongafale Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-073.JPG
  • Dencus Tanalua, 24, a carpenter, stands near the shoreline in central Funafuti, the capital of the small Pacific nation of Tuvalu. Land poor micro-states in the region are some of the most vulnerable to climate change impacts. This has driven many to flee their homelands, in fear of the potential environmental catastophes their countries are vulnerable to, and also in search of higher incomes through better job opportunities provided by other larger countries. It is estimated nearly 20% of Tuvalu's population have left and reside in other countries such as New Zealand and Australia. Young adults are the most likely to leave, with the older generation most likely to stay. A recent report by The Australian National University estimates by 2050, "47% of Tuvaluan adults (4,900 people)...will want to migrate but [will] be unable to do so", with limiting factors being financial and available places on migration programs to other countries. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-074.JPG
  • An abandoned truck in central Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-075.JPG
  • Waves from the Pacific Ocean crash onto shore in Funafuti, Tuvalu. Seen from above, it's easy to see why the Southwest Pacific country of Tuvalu has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change. The country is made up of a collection of small islands and coral atolls, totalling only 27 square kilometres, scattered over 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. The highest point throughout the country is only 5 metres above sea level, resulting in special vulnerability to sea level rise. According to the Tuvaluan government, "since 1993, sea level near Tuvalu has risen about 5mm per year; this is larger than the global average." Other challenges face the country including drought, ocean acidification and waste problems. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-076.JPG
  • Waves from the Pacific Ocean crash onto shore in Funafuti, Tuvalu. Seen from above, it's easy to see why the Southwest Pacific country of Tuvalu has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change. The country is made up of a collection of small islands and coral atolls, totalling only 27 square kilometres, scattered over 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. The highest point throughout the country is only 5 metres above sea level, resulting in special vulnerability to sea level rise. According to the Tuvaluan government, "since 1993, sea level near Tuvalu has risen about 5mm per year; this is larger than the global average." Other challenges face the country including drought, ocean acidification and waste problems. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
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  • Two children look out onto the Pacific Ocean in Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-078.JPG
  • Waves from the Pacific Ocean crash onto shore in Funafuti, Tuvalu. Seen from above, it's easy to see why the Southwest Pacific country of Tuvalu has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change. The country is made up of a collection of small islands and coral atolls, totalling only 27 square kilometres, scattered over 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. The highest point throughout the country is only 5 metres above sea level, resulting in special vulnerability to sea level rise. According to the Tuvaluan government, "since 1993, sea level near Tuvalu has risen about 5mm per year; this is larger than the global average." Other challenges face the country including drought, ocean acidification and waste problems. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-079.JPG
  • A young boy sits forlornly outside his home which is being flooded during the king tides in Funafuti, Tuvalu. The king tides are seasonal and are characterised by very high water levels in the surrounding ocean. At this time of year the waves inundate the coastline but also water seeps up through the ground which is made of porous coral. This natural phenomenon is particularly serious for Tuvalu, a low-lying atoll island nation, whose highest point is only a few metres above sea level. As sea levels rise, the king tides regularly flood parts of the island and will likely increase in severity in the future, potentially making large parts of the nation uninhabitable. March, 2019.
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  • Children play in floodwaters near a dilapidated church in the Tuvaluan capital of Funafuti. Parts of the island flood at this time of the year due to the 'king tides'. The king tides are seasonal and are characterised by very high water levels in the surrounding ocean. At this time of year the waves inundate the coastline but also water seeps up through the ground which is made of porous coral. This natural phenomenon is particularly serious for Tuvalu, a low-lying atoll island nation, whose highest point is only a few metres above sea level. As sea levels rise, the king tides regularly flood parts of the island and will likely increase in severity in the future, potentially making large parts of the nation uninhabitable. March, 2019.
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  • A child plays in floodwaters near a water catchment tank in the Tuvaluan capital of Funafuti. Parts of the island flood at this time of the year due to the 'king tides'. The king tides are seasonal and are characterised by very high water levels in the surrounding ocean. At this time of year the waves inundate the coastline but also water seeps up through the ground which is made of porous coral. This natural phenomenon is particularly serious for Tuvalu, a low-lying atoll island nation, whose highest point is only a few metres above sea level. As sea levels rise, the king tides regularly flood parts of the island and will likely increase in severity in the future, potentially making large parts of the nation uninhabitable. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-082.JPG
  • A child plays in floodwaters near a dilapidated church in the Tuvaluan capital of Funafuti. Parts of the island flood at this time of the year due to the 'king tides'. The king tides are seasonal and are characterised by very high water levels in the surrounding ocean. At this time of year the waves inundate the coastline but also water seeps up through the ground which is made of porous coral. This natural phenomenon is particularly serious for Tuvalu, a low-lying atoll island nation, whose highest point is only a few metres above sea level. As sea levels rise, the king tides regularly flood parts of the island and will likely increase in severity in the future, potentially making large parts of the nation uninhabitable. March, 2019.
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  • A young boy swims in a flooded area near the airport runway, in downtown Funafuti. Parts of the island flood at this time of the year due to the 'king tides'. The king tides are seasonal and are characterised by very high water levels in the surrounding ocean. At this time of year the waves inundate the coastline but also water seeps up through the ground which is made of porous coral. This natural phenomenon is particularly serious for Tuvalu, a low-lying atoll island nation, whose highest point is only a few metres above sea level. As sea levels rise, the king tides regularly flood parts of the island and will likely increase in severity in the future, potentially making large parts of the nation uninhabitable. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-084.JPG
  • A young boy swims in a flooded area near the airport runway, in downtown Funafuti. Parts of the island flood at this time of the year due to the 'king tides'. The king tides are seasonal and are characterised by very high water levels in the surrounding ocean. At this time of year the waves inundate the coastline but also water seeps up through the ground which is made of porous coral. This natural phenomenon is particularly serious for Tuvalu, a low-lying atoll island nation, whose highest point is only a few metres above sea level. As sea levels rise, the king tides regularly flood parts of the island and will likely increase in severity in the future, potentially making large parts of the nation uninhabitable. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
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  • A man rides his motorbike past floodwaters in downtown Funafuti. Parts of the island flood at this time of the year due to the 'king tides'. The king tides are seasonal and are characterised by very high water levels in the surrounding ocean. At this time of year the waves inundate the coastline but also water seeps up through the ground which is made of porous coral. This natural phenomenon is particularly serious for Tuvalu, a low-lying atoll island nation, whose highest point is only a few metres above sea level. As sea levels rise, the king tides regularly flood parts of the island and will likely increase in severity in the future, potentially making large parts of the nation uninhabitable. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
    Tuvalu-19-05-086.JPG
  • Floodwaters in the Tuvaluan capital of Funafuti. Parts of the island flood at this time of the year due to the 'king tides'. The king tides are seasonal and are characterised by very high water levels in the surrounding ocean. At this time of year the waves inundate the coastline but also water seeps up through the ground which is made of porous coral. This natural phenomenon is particularly serious for Tuvalu, a low-lying atoll island nation, whose highest point is only a few metres above sea level. As sea levels rise, the king tides regularly flood parts of the island and will likely increase in severity in the future, potentially making large parts of the nation uninhabitable. March, 2019.
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  • A family in Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
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  • A family walk near the main lagoon at sunset in Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
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  • Two young girls near the main lagoon at sunset in Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
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  • A man rides his bicycle in Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
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  • Construction taking place on reclaimed land in central Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
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  • Motorbikes pass along a road near the Funafuti International airport, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
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  • Motorbikes and bicycles pass along a road near the Funafuti International airport, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
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  • An aerial view of Funafuti atoll, on approach to land at the country's sole airport. Seen from above, it's easy to see why the Southwest Pacific country of Tuvalu has been identified as one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change. The country is made up of a collection of small islands and coral atolls, totalling only 27 square kilometres, scattered over 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. The highest point throughout the country is only 5 metres above sea level, resulting in special vulnerability to sea level rise. According to the Tuvaluan government, "since 1993, sea level near Tuvalu has risen about 5mm per year; this is larger than the global average." Other challenges face the country including drought, ocean acidification and waste problems. Tuvalu. March, 2019.
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  • A plastic bottle lies in the shallows of a beach that borders the Pacific Ocean. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
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  • A fisherman in Funafuti atoll, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
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  • Children play in the main lagoon in Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
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  • A child looks out onto the main lagoon in Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
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  • The wreck of the ship 'Van Camp' lies off of the coast of the island of Fongafale in the Funafuti atoll. The ship ran aground during a typhoon in the 1970's. The last remnants of the ship's shell are slowly disappearing to the ocean. Tuvalu is made up of a collection of small islands and coral atolls, totalling only 27 square kilometres, scattered over 500,000 square kilometres of ocean. The highest point throughout the country is only 5 metres above sea level, resulting in special vulnerability to sea level rise. Funafuti, Tuvalu. March, 2019.
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