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Nauru environment has undergone significant changes owing to perpetual phosphate mining. Though it gave a huge impetus to Nauru's economy, the subsequent decline in the phosphate resources not only proved to be an economic setback for the country it also affected several environmental hazards.
On the one hand, the environment of Nauru was greatly altered by recurrent deforestation for the purpose of mining. The precipitation levels were brought down and the island witnessed frequent droughts. On the other hand, the ever rising population count has exerted tremendous pressure on the areas along the coasts as it is densely populated and is almost on the verge of exhaustion. The concerned authorities are looking at the place where mining was done and trying to transform it and make it fit for settlement.
The primary factor responsible for this environmental blunder has been phosphate mining. Necessary steps are being taken by the Government of Nauru to restore the infertile lands. However the coasts of Nauru have not been affected in any way by the mining. Vegetation is found in the coastal fringes and trees like pandanus and coconut palms are found in plenty.
The various environmental concerns in Nauru have also posed a serious threat both to the flora and the fauna of the region. Many local birds like the black fern and frigate birds and animals such as the Finsch's reed warbler and the bristle- thighed curlew are facing the risk of extinction.
Nauru is also found to be wanting in adequate resources of fresh water. Rainwater harvesting is undertaken by the people of Nauru. The universal concern of global warming manifests itself in Nauru too as the rise in levels of sea water has exposed the low lying areas to the danger of submersion
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