The Impact of Climate Change on Digital Governance Policies in Tuvalu

Abstract

This review examines the impact of climate change on digital governance policies in Tuvalu, analyzing the nation's pioneering 'First Digital Nation' initiative as a climate adaptation strategy. Tuvalu is an island nation highly susceptible to the detrimental effects of climate change due to its geographical setting. It consists of tiny, low-lying flat atolls in the Pacific Ocean, with its highest altitude located just five meters above sea level. With a total land area of about 26 square kilometers and an approximate population of 15,000 people, the relentless onslaught of climate change impacts has triggered significant institutional digital developments within the country. Tuvalu's migration into the metaverse involves creating a digital replica by archiving video data of its sinking islands in data centers, an effective climate adaptation strategy the nation has initiated. A climate change-induced existential threat poses a national security risk. Digital innovation is perceived as an avenue to help Tuvalu adapt to the impact of climate change. A strategic direction for Tuvalu involves considering migration into a quantum-safe cyberspace to mitigate cybersecurity risks posed by quantum computing technology. Subsequently, Tuvalu should negotiate with major technology companies hosting data archives to address data privacy concerns, thereby tackling socio-technical impediments within quantum-safe cyberspace such as surveillance capitalism. This comprehensive review synthesizes existing literature, policy documents, and recent developments to provide insights into the intersection of climate adaptation and digital governance, offering implications for other Small Island Developing States facing similar challenges.