In a bold initiative to both experience and preserve the dwindling beauty of Kiribati, a delegation of Aussie officials has taken to the skies, eager for a scenic tour of one of the world’s most picturesque nations—before it inevitably sinks beneath the waves. Dubbed the “Farewell to Kiribati” tour, officials donned lifejackets as they boarded the plane, ensuring they were fully prepared for the journey to what many are calling the “next Atlantis.” “It’s a real tragedy that we might lose such a stunning location due to climate change,” remarked Minister of Water and Air, Barry Driftwood, while sipping a coconut-flavored energy drink. “But you know, we’ll always have the photos—lots and lots of photos.” As the delegation landed on the atolls, they were greeted by local residents, who were simultaneously welcoming and weary of the rhetoric surrounding their homes. “It’s nice that they care, but honestly, it feels like a goodbye party,” said local mayor, Tamba Fono. “We appreciate the tour, but you know, we’d prefer to stay above water.” Undeterred, the officials set off on a “climate resilience” trek across the tiny islands, armed with cameras and commentary on sustainability. “Look at us, saving the planet one selfie at a time!” chirped the Minister of Inconvenient Truths, Carla O'Deal, while posing dramatically on a sliver of beach. “And we’re doing it all for the gram!” Tour highlights included an inspiring visit to the local school, where students showcased their impressive scientific knowledge about rising sea levels—an uncomfortable topic for the visitors, who had just finished enacting a “Save Kiribati” photo-op right in front of the school. The sound of camera shutters drowned out the children’s voices, as they held up handmade posters reading, “Please don’t forget us—while you take photos!” The delegation’s grand finale was a sunset celebration with a traditional kiribati feast, made all the more poignant as one official remarked, “At least the fish is still here for now!” The irony hung in the air like the thick clouds of despair clouding the locals’ horizon—literally and metaphorically. As the sun dipped below the waterline, signaling the arrival of another too-quick day, the Aussie officials hopped back on their plane, a little piece of ocean and a plethora of hashtags in tow. “Remember, every click is a chance to make a difference!” shouted Driftwood, as the plane ascended over the slowly disappearing land. Back in Australia, the delegation was expected to deliver a heartfelt presentation during which they planned to showcase their photos to a captivated audience. Statistically, only a small portion of those ‘liking’ the posts will think about the reality of Kiribati—or, amidst all the fun, the harsh fact that it may soon join the ranks of never-before-seen-by-the-eye locations. “Their islands may be going under, but at least our Instagram followers are going up!” Tweeted O'Deal, right before logging off to join a coastal clean-up on their home turf, unwittingly sealing Kiribati’s fate with every inspirational post shared.