As Sea Levels Rise, Kiribati Considers Population Relocation

Amid fears that the rapid rise in sea levels triggered by climate change could wipe out their Pacific archipelago, the leaders of Kiribati are reportedly mulling over a complete population relocation, the Associated Press reported. Kiribati President Anote Tong told the AP Friday that his Cabinet this week signed off on a plan to purchase close to 6,000 acres on Fiji's main island, Viti Levu, which he believes is suitable for Kiribati's 103,000 islanders. According to the AP, Tong hopes that the relocation can be avoided—but he does not rule out the possibility of this unconventional contingency plan coming to fruition. "We would hope not to put everyone on one piece of land, but if it became absolutely necessary, yes, we could do it," Tong said.

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