Nauru Sells Citizenship to Fund Climate Resilience

The Pacific island nation of Nauru has initiated a 'golden passport' program, offering citizenship for $105,000 to raise funds for climate resilience projects. This initiative aims to combat the existential threats of rising sea levels and storm surges by relocating 90% of the island's 12,500 residents to higher ground. Nauru's President David Adeang emphasizes the program's importance for a sustainable future, while the country's Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Programme seeks to attract 500 applicants to generate significant revenue. The passport allows visa-free access to 89 countries, appealing to individuals seeking global mobility. However, the scheme includes stringent checks to prevent exploitation for criminal purposes. This effort reflects a broader challenge faced by developing nations in securing funds for climate adaptation, especially as global climate action efforts fluctuate.