Mobilities and Immobilities in Tuvalu: an unexpected pandemic experience?

Tuvalu was the last country to experience Covid-19, with no community transmission prior to November 2022, yet remains most well-known for its exposure to climate change. The pandemic presents an opportunity to challenge narratives of both displacement and disease risk, and advance understanding of mobility justice. During the pandemic, Tuvaluan's internal migration to cultural lands revived a sense of community, strengthened cultural relations and provided an opportunity to reinvigorate customary forms of self-sufficiency.

Automated summary

Tuvalu, the last country to be affected by Covid-19, had no community transmission until November 2022, but is best known for its vulnerability to climate change. The pandemic offers an opportunity to challenge narratives of displacement and disease risk, and to advance the understanding of justice in terms of mobility. During the pandemic, internal migration of Tuvaluans to cultural lands revitalized a sense of community, strengthened cultural relations, and provided an opportunity to reinvigorate traditional self-sufficiency.