Australia and New Zealand are surrounded by some of the most vulnerable countries to climate change on earth. The Australian and New Zealand governments need to fully recognise the dangers facing Pacific Island countries and territories, and work hand-in-hand as a united Pacific towards solutions.

This paper argues that Australia needs a national policy framework on environmental migration, as climate change and natural disasters could displace potentially thousands of people in coming years.

Low-lying atoll countries are currently amongst the first nations to experience the effects of climate change, such as drought, loss of fresh water, rising sea-levels, coral bleaching and stronger storms. The environmental condition in low-lying Pacific countries such as the Republic of Kiribati is affecting daily life and is leading to a situation where residents...

The vulnerability of Pacific Island countries to climate change has been the subject of significant media coverage, including Kiribati’s recent request that its people be moved to Fiji to avoid rising seas. However, despite this widespread awareness, until recently there has been limited reliable detailed scientific information available to these countries. A major new report...

It’s time for international leadership in better coordination of programs and efforts and increased capacity building in the Pacific Island nations, writes Lesley Russell.