The Use of Administrative Data for Statistical Population Registers to Inform Policy Decisions on Climate Change in the Pacific Region: Lesson from Tuvalu’s Experimental Population Register

Angus Amasone, Tuvalu Central Statistics Division

While population censuses remain the primary sources of population statistics around the globe, in small island states, complex geographical settings and human and financial resource constraints make census exercises a daunting task. Small island states also face existential threats from climate change and have the added burden of serving a population dispersed across numerous islands, which require timely, granular, and cost-effective population statistics critical for delivering services where needed. The integration of administrative data and the creation of statistical population registers present a powerful approach to enhance demographic insights, particularly for climate-vulnerable nations such as Tuvalu. By leveraging administrative data, governments can track population shifts due to rising sea levels, reliably quantify vulnerable populations, and design targeted interventions for disaster preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and social protection programs. This paper presents Tuvalu’s experience in establishing the first experimental statistical population register in the Pacific region. It is believed that improved data integration will ensure that climate policies are well-informed, responsive, and tailored to the needs of the most at-risk communities. Through improved and granular data, Tuvalu and similar nations can present robust population statistics that reinforce the urgency of climate action, strengthen national and international climate advocacy efforts, and allocate resources efficiently for climate adaptation.

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  Presented in Session 122. Pacific Demography 2