Did we speak with them?
No.
Their take on the controversy:
The government advises citizens to leave the island; people are divided between those who wish to stay (especially when they are over 40, with a stronger attachment to their home lands and no expectation for the future) and those who feel the urge to leave, facilitated by the migration schemes and the Tuvaluan community already present in New Zealand.
Tuvaluans appear to be aware of the gravity of the situation and are worried about the children of the islands. They blame developed countries’ disproportionate carbon dioxide emissions that are directly impacting developing countries.
God and faith remain very present; the belief that God will save Tuvalu was strong, however the Church sent missionaries to explain what is likely to happen.
Tuvalu is perceived as a symbol of climate change ; they have the impression that the media wants their country to drown in order to sell their story.
Quotations:
“Flooding is already coming right into the middle of the islands, destroying food crops and trees, which were there when I was born 60 years ago. These things are gone” (Paani Laupepa)
“There is certainly a noticeable erosion effect. If you go to Funafala [a nearby islet] you will see. The biggest thatched building was in the center of the village, now it’s on the edge… Now during high tides, the water comes right across the ground, where the houses are, and it never happened before, and a couple years ago it began,” (Elia Tauita, President of the Funafuti Town Council)
“This is my country; I’m ready to die here.’’ (interview conducted by François Gemmene)