Source: Global Times

[Global Times Comprehensive Report] On July 30, an 8.7-magnitude earthquake occurred in the remote waters off the east coast of Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia, and exacerbated concerns among some Pacific island nations.

A report from NASA showed that in 2023, the sea level in Tuvalu (as shown in the picture) was 15 centimeters higher than the average of the past 30 years. If this trend continues, it is expected that most of the country's territory, including key infrastructure, will be below the sea level during high tides by 2050. With an average elevation of 2 meters, Tuvalu is highly vulnerable to rising sea levels, flooding, and storm surges. According to a report on the American "Planetary Planning" website on July 30, this country with a population of 11,000 is currently collaborating with Australia to launch an unprecedented "climate visa" program.

In November 2023, Tuvalu and Australia signed the "Falepili Union Treaty," allowing 280 Tuvaluan people to settle permanently in Australia each year, with an estimated 40% of the country's population migrating within 10 years. The U.S. "Wired" magazine stated that these selected lucky individuals not only enjoy the same medical, educational, housing, and employment rights as Australian citizens, but also have the freedom to return to their homeland at any time. From June 16 to July 18 this year, the first phase of applications was open. In a statement on July 23, the Australian High Commission in Tuvalu said that within just over a month, they received approximately 8,750 lottery applications, which accounted for about 80% of Tuvalu's total population. The first batch of approved applicants had already been determined by July 25.

Tuvalu's plight is not an isolated case. The European "Modern Diplomacy" website reported that countries in the Pacific region such as Fiji and Vanuatu have long felt the crisis and have been formulating planned migration policies. The report stated that Fiji has established a national planned migration guideline and a climate and migration trust fund. (Ren Zhong)

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7533379745153548841/

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