Almost 40% Of Island Nation’s Residents Want Off

Nearly 40% of Tuvalu’s population has applied to relocate to Australia as the Pacific island nation faces the threat of rising seas. Australia is offering 280 permanent residency visas for Tuvalu’s approximately 10,000 residents, who will be selected at random over the next six months. The visa program allows recipients to live, work, and access public healthcare in Australia. Tuvalu’s Prime Minister has warned that 50% of the country will be regularly flooded by 2050, with 90% underwater by 2100, as climate change impacts intensify. With no higher ground to move to, Tuvalu residents are eagerly applying for the Australian visas. The relocation plan follows a 2023 defense pact between Australia and Tuvalu to address the impacts of sea-level rise. New Zealand has also established permanent migration pathways for Tuvaluans. Meanwhile, the U.S. is reportedly considering adding Tuvalu to its travel ban. (newser)