According to the Associated Press, with the fear climate change could wipe out the country, leaders of the Pacific island nation of Kiribati are considering moving its population to Fiji. Kiribati President Anote Tong and his government Cabinet have backed a plan to purchase close to 6,000 acres on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. Rising sea levels blamed on global warming are threatening to cover the island.
* The CIA World Factbook reports the country's population in July is estimated to be 101,998.
* Kiribati has a republic government and received its independence from the United Kingdom on July 12, 1979, with President Tong holding office since July 10, 2003.
* The economy is weak and relies heavily on the global demand for coconuts, which fluctuates frequently, but other sources of revenue include fishing licenses and foreign aid, noted BBC News.
* Kiribati, previously known as the Gilbert Islands, consists of 33 atolls that stretch across 4,000 kilometers from east to west and over 2,000 kilometers from north to south.
* The Solomon Times noted that in 2009, Kiribati followed Maldives in preparing to relocate its people by looking into potential options.
* President Tong is also seeking help from Australia and New Zealand and encouraging Kiribati citizens to find jobs and new homes in other countries.
* Prior to the government's endorsement of purchasing land in Fiji in September, it debated relocating its population to man-made islands, which are similar to offshore oil-drilling platforms and cost close to $2 billion each, according to the Independent.
* Only a few meters above sea level, rising seas have contaminated some of the country's freshwater supplies and crops, as well causing erosion and increased flooding.
* President Tong has actively participated in the dialogue over climate change and efforts to curb it, especially during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, noted the U.N.
Rachel Bogart provides an in-depth look at current environmental issues and local Chicago news stories. As a college student from the Chicago suburbs pursuing two science degrees, she applies her knowledge and passion to both topics to garner further public awareness.
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/island-nation-may-move-population-fiji-due-climate-170200397.html
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