World leaders visit Tuvalu climate project despite heavy rain

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 22:24 · Archive

Representatives from 30 countries travelled to Tuvalu to witness a land reclamation project designed to protect the vulnerable Pacific nation from rising tides.

World leaders from 30 countries, including 14 presidents and prime ministers, flew to Tuvalu to witness the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project, a multimillion-dollar scheme to protect the vulnerable Pacific nation from rising sea levels and tides.

Heavy rain fell shortly after the delegation landed at Funafuti airport, threatening to reduce the planned site visit to a brief drive-by. Australian officials insisted the tour continue, organising a makeshift motorcade to transport the visitors to the project site, where they trudged through sodden white sand to shelter in a marquee.

Project manager Alan Resture explained that the initiative would add 20 hectares of habitable land across four sites by the end of 2026. Sand dredged from the seabed would be used to create land raised six metres above the reef flat, capable of withstanding king tides that reach 3.2 metres. COP31 President-Designate Murat Kurum said the experience would inform decisions at November's climate talks, stating that Tuvalu 'has made no contribution to this crisis but unfortunately they are faced with the threat'.

How it is being reported

• Rain fails to dampen climate mission at pre-COP31 eventThe government has defied critics and bad weather to highlight climate threats to Pacific nations but pre-COP31 also turned the spotlight on its commitments.The West Australian · 9 Oct, 22:04
• Rain fails to dampen climate mission at pre-COP31 eventThe government has defied critics and bad weather to highlight climate threats to Pacific nations but pre-COP31 also turned the spotlight on its commitments.Perth Now · 9 Oct, 22:04

In this story: Tuvalu · Fiji · Funafuti · Murat Kurum · Turkey

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