Tuvalu's Department of Foreign Affairs describes climate change as "one of the most existential security risks currently threatening" the country. Australia and the South Pacific island nation of Tuvalu are to forge closer ties thanks to a new agreement covering areas including security, migration and climate change. The Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union, a bilateral treaty, sees Australia pledging to create "a special mobility pathway" that will enable Tuvaluans to go to Australia to work, study and live. To start with, the number of Tuvaluans eligible to go to Australia will be capped at 280 a year. "With a population of just over 11,000 people, Tuvalu is extremely vulnerable to the impact of climate change, especially rising sea levels, and is trying to preserve its culture, traditions and land," the Australian government said in a statement.

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Persons: Tuvaluans Organizations: Tuvalu's Department of Foreign Affairs, Tuvalu Falepili Locations: Funafuti, Tuvalu, Australia, South Pacific, Tuvalu Falepili Union