By Polly Tickle
In a move that’s either brilliant or utterly insane (depending on who you ask), the island nation of Maldives has announced a controversial new program. Climate change deniers – those delightful folks who scoff at rising sea levels and mock the idea of a warming planet – are being offered a chance to live in paradise. The catch? This paradise just happens to be on the very front lines of climate change.
“We figured, why not let the naysayers experience firsthand what they so adamantly deny?” quips a Maldivian government official, a hint of mischief in his voice. “They can enjoy beachfront property, crystal-clear waters, and all the fun that comes with living on a beautiful island – until the island, well, disappears.”
The program, aptly named “Denial on the Beach,” offers climate change skeptics luxury beachfront villas (complete with butler service, of course) at a fraction of the usual cost. There’s just one tiny caveat: they have to sign a legally binding document acknowledging they’ll live there for at least five years. “Think of it as an extended beachfront vacation,” the official continues, a glint in his eye, “with the added bonus of maybe, just maybe, having your worldview completely shattered.”
Predictably, climate scientists are not amused. “This is a publicity stunt, not a solution,” says Dr. Anya Petrova, a leading climate change expert. “While the sentiment might be understandable, it does little to address the very real problems we face.”
But the Maldivian government seems unfazed by the criticism. They’ve already received hundreds of applications from climate change skeptics eager to take them up on their offer. “Maybe,” ponders the official, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, “we can get them to write glowing TripAdvisor reviews – you know, right before they have to book a flight out because their villa is underwater.”
Of course, the long-term success of this program remains to be seen. Will these climate change deniers experience an epiphany as the ocean creeps ever closer to their luxurious villas? Or will they cling to their beliefs with even more fervor, drowning in denial as the sea levels rise?
Only time, and the relentless march of climate change, will tell. In the meantime, the Maldives have found a novel way to address a very real problem, all while offering a luxurious (and potentially existential) vacation experience.
Liv N. Large