Imagining moving from one house to another is difficult enough, but could you imagine being forced to leave your house AND hometown because of climate change?

That’s exactly what the leaders of Kiribati, an island in the Pacific archipelago, are starting to fear. Actually, Kiribati leaders are afraid that the effects of  climate change, such as the varying amounts of rainfall and unusual tidal and storm patterns could wipe out the entire Pacific archipelago, which is home to 103,000 people, about 14, 927 of whom are Latter-Day Saints.

The effects of climate change are already disrupting aspects of everyday life for the residents of Kiribatu. For example, sea water has continually been contaminating the island’s underground source for fresh water. Fresh water is imperative for trees and the growing of crops. Also, ocean levels have already seen a slight but steady rise. Scientist estimate that the sea levels in the Pacific are rising by 2 millimeters, or .1 inches per year. Kiribatu is a well-cited example in the debate on climate change because of these consequences.

Kiribati President Anote Tong revealed his relocation plan to The Associated Press: buy 6,000 acres on Viti Levu, Figi’s main and second largest island, 1, 4000 miles south of Kiribatu, that’s being sold by a church group for $9.6 million. Mr. Tong told the AP: “‘We would hope not to put everyone on one piece of land, but if it became absolutely necessary, yes, we could do it’…’It wouldn’t be fore me personally, but would apply more to a younger generation. For them, moving won’t be a matter of choice. It’s basically going to be a matter of survival.'” UPDATE: Kiribati is buying 5,000 acres of land on Vanau Levu, and many residents have already moved to places like Fiji, New Zealand and Australia in anticipation of the exodus.

There are many things to consider when making this transition, not only are people being forced to evict from their homes and livelihood, they need to consider transitioning into life in a new place. President Tong stated:  ‘”We don’t want 100,000 people from Kiribati coming to Fiji in one go. They need to find employment, not as refugees but as immigrant people with skills to offer, people who have a place in the community, people who will not be seen as second-class citizens…'”

Moving to the main island is a last resort, but the fact that leaders already have to think about it is quite concerning.  For more information on this topic, check out the article in the NY Daily News, as well as the one in Treehugger. Also check back soon for more updates as this story develops.