Tuvalu minister gives COP26 statement in seawater to highlight rising sea levels from climate change

In a suit and tie, and knee-deep in seawater, Tuvalu’s Minister for Justice, Communication and Foreign Affairs, Simon Kofe, delivered his video statement to the COP26 climate conference.

Although the politician can be seen with a wide grin in photos shared by his ministry, the issue that he touched upon appears far from cheerful.

According to the ministry’s statement, Kofe’s statement “juxtaposes” the COP26 setting with “real-life situations”, such as the one faced by the Pacific island nation due to climate change and rising sea levels.

His recorded statement will be shown at the Pacific Climate Change Mobility and Human Security Side Event at COP26.

The tiny island nation of Tuvalu with a population of 11,792 has long been grappling with the impact of climate issues.

Many commenters applauded the politician for his efforts to shed light on issues brought about by climate change and rising sea levels.

Meanwhile, the International Coral Reef Initiative appeared to liken Kofe’s speech in the sea to the Maldives government’s underwater cabinet meeting in 2009.

SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES