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Images of Tuvalu minister giving COP26 statement in the ocean go viral on social media

Foreign Minister Simon Kofe addressed cameras while knee-deep in the ocean to highlight the sea level rises affecting his nation, drawing plenty of attention and admiration on social media.

Simon Kofe during the film shoot for his COP26 statement. Source: Facebook/Ministry of Justice, Communication and Foreign Affairs, Tuvalu Government

With hundreds of speakers on the running order, it's going to take a lot to make your message stand out at the United Nations' COP26 climate summit.

So the Pacific nation of Tuvalu took an innovative approach this week to express the dangers it faces due to the effects of the climate crisis - and it's gone viral on social media.

In a pre-recorded statement shot by public broadcaster TVBC, Foreign Minister Simon Kofe addressed cameras while knee-deep in the ocean to highlight the sea level rises affecting Pacific nations such as his.

The video will be played on Tuesday in Glasgow as part of the Pacific Climate Change Mobility and Human Security side event at COP26.

“The statement juxtaposes the COP26 setting with the real-life situations faced in Tuvalu due to the impacts of climate change and sea level rise and highlights the bold action Tuvalu is taking to address the very pressing issues of human mobility under climate change,” Tuvalu’s Ministry of Justice said in a statement.