What is it? 

Vanua Levu is the second-largest island in Fiji. While over 136,000 live there 20 square kilometres has been purchased by the Republic of Kiribati for food and land. Kiribati is over 2000 kilometres away.  

How did we get here? 

In 2014, then President of Kiribati, Anote Tong, requested this land through growing fears that due to global warming Kiribati faces the real threat of becoming submerged. With a population of 110,000 to consider, not only will this land provide space for food it could also act as a last resort for refuge for his people.  

Kiribati’s carbon emissions were 0.57 tonnes per capita in 2014. By comparison, the world’s largest contributors ranged from 16 to 23 tonnes per capita. Despite this $5.5 million was spent on the Kiribati Adaptation Program in 2003 to modify the 33 islands to defend against the rising water levels.  

How can I learn more? 

• Check out kiribatitourism.gov.ki
• Learn more about Migration with Dignity from Anote Tong’s talk with Yale University
• Sign a petition asking for the UK government to get involved