Nauru Sells Citizenship for Climate Resilience Amid Rising Sea Levels

NAURU, March 5, 2025 — Nauru, an island nation measuring only 8 square miles in the southwest Pacific, has initiated a controversial program that offers citizenship for $105,000 as a measure to address climate change. Faced with existential threats from rising sea levels, storm surges, and coastal erosion, Nauru’s government aims to use the funds to relocate 90% of its population and establish a sustainable community.

Nauru’s President David Adeang emphasized the urgency of action: “While the world debates climate action, we must take proactive steps to secure our nation’s future.” The plan, termed a “golden passport” initiative, was unveiled in response to the country’s lack of resources to combat the climate crisis.

The golden passports, priced at $105,000, will be restricted to those without certain criminal backgrounds. A Nauru passport provides visa-free access to 89 countries, including the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. While many new passport holders may never visit Nauru, the citizenship permits them to live “global lives,” according to Kirstin Surak, a political sociology expert from the London School of Economics.

Nauru’s history of phosphate mining has compounded its current challenges; mining operations from the early 1900s led to the degradation of about 80% of the island’s land, forcing the majority of its roughly 12,500 residents to reside along the vulnerable coastlines. Rising sea levels in Nauru are reported to be increasing at a rate exceeding the global average, making these coastal communities particularly susceptible to flooding.

Edward Clark, CEO of the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program, estimates that the citizenship initiative could generate approximately $5.6 million in its first year, with hopes of scaling that figure to $42 million annually. By selling citizenship, the government anticipates this revenue could account for 19% of its total income, crucial for funding relocation and climate resilience efforts.

However, the initiative has drawn skepticism due to historical misuse of similar programs. A citizenship program in the 1990s was marred by scandal after two individuals allegedly linked to Al Qaeda obtained Nauruan passports. Assurance of stringent vetting processes has been promised to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.

Aside from the urgency of securing its own future, Nauru’s program reflects a broader trend among vulnerable nations seeking innovative solutions to combat climate impacts amid waning international support. According to Clark, “Nauru highlights the opportunities for climate-vulnerable countries to become testing grounds for climate innovation.”

In the Caribbean, countries like Dominica have also sold citizenship, directing proceeds toward climate initiatives, underscoring a potential trend as nations grapple with the financial burdens of climate adaptation. As government efforts in developed nations falter, reliance on alternative funding methods may become increasingly prevalent among similarly situated states.