Nauru Launches Citizenship Sale for Climate Relocation Funds

Nauru, a small Pacific island nation, has introduced a controversial 'golden passport' scheme, selling citizenship for $105,000 to raise funds for the mass relocation of its residents due to climate change threats. The initiative aims to generate approximately $5.7 million in its first year, facilitating a retreat from rising sea levels that threaten its land. The country, once wealthy from phosphate mining, now faces a dire situation with 80% of its landscape rendered uninhabitable. President David Adeang emphasized that this approach is about securing a sustainable future, as existing climate funding has proven insufficient. Despite concerns over potential criminal exploitation of such schemes, Nauru is committed to a rigorous vetting process for applicants. This bold move reflects the urgent need for innovative solutions among climate-vulnerable nations.