The Pacific nation of Tuvalu is seriously feeling the threat of rising sea levels to destroy the country entirely. And in response to this threat, it plans to create an exact replica of the country on the Metaverse.
Simon Kofe, Tuvalu’s minister of justice, communications and foreign affairs, made the announcement in a speech before the leaders at COP27. The plan, described by Kofe as a “worst-case scenario”, includes creating a digital twin of Tuvalu in the metaverse to preserve the islands and rich culture.
Kofe did not neglect to give an important warning to the leaders: “Tuvalu may be the first country in the world to exist only in cyberspace. However, it will not be the last if global warming is not brought under control.”
The idea is to ensure that Tuvalu continues to “function as a fully sovereign state” as its people are forced to live elsewhere. However, it is currently difficult to predict how a digital-only country will be accepted or procedural. We hope it will not be expected and the people of Tuvalu will continue to live on their island for many years…