Politics Australia takes in climate refugees from Tuvalu

Australia will take in people affected by climate change from the South Sea state of Tuvalu with immediate effect and grant them permanent residency.

The historic agreement signed last year has now come into force, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Wednesday during a visit to the Pacific island state of Tonga.

Sea levels in the South Pacific are rising particularly quickly as a result of global warming. Tuvalu - like other islands in the region - will be largely flooded in the coming decades. Experts estimate that the archipelago could be completely submerged in the sea within 100 years.

Under the agreement, 280 residents of Tuvalu can live, work or study in Australia each year on a special visa. Australia also pledged to help if the archipelago requests assistance in the event of a major natural disaster, health pandemic or military aggression.

In return, Tuvalu agreed to coordinate any new third-party involvement in defense and security issues with Australia. China in particular is making massive efforts to expand its influence in the South Pacific.

"Historic moment"

"Together we are stronger and can rely on each other in these difficult times," said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking of a "proud and historic moment for our two countries". Tuvalu's head of government Feleti Teo described the agreement as "groundbreaking". It was the first time that a country had made a legal commitment to help Tuvalu. Both politicians are currently attending the annual Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga.

Tuvalu consists of nine islands and is located north of New Zealand and east of Papua New Guinea. The archipelago, with a population of around 11,000, is one of the lowest lying countries in the world: at its highest point, it rises just five meters out of the sea.

The USA has already reached similar agreements with sinking Pacific states, including Palau and the Marshall Islands. This is very much about economic support in return for military access to strategic sea areas.