WELLINGTON, New Zealand: In a significant announcement at a meeting of Pacific leaders in the Cook Islands, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled a plan to assist the island nation of Tuvalu in coping with the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and increased storms.

With its low-lying atolls, Tuvalu faces acute vulnerability to global warming impacts. Albanese's proposal allows up to 280 Tuvaluans to migrate to Australia each year initially as a means of escape and to seek opportunities as the climate crisis worsens.

"We believe the people of Tuvalu deserve the choice to live, study and work elsewhere as climate change impacts worsen," Albanese stated. He emphasized that Australia would offer Tuvaluans access to Australian services, ensuring human mobility with dignity. Albanese hailed the agreement as groundbreaking and a testament to Australia's commitment to the Pacific family.

The bilateral partnership, called the Falepili Union, was initiated at Tuvalu's request and centers on traditional values of good neighborliness, care, and mutual respect. Specific details and timelines are yet to be finalized, and the agreement will go into effect following both countries' domestic processes.

Tuvalu's Prime Minister Kausea Natano expressed deep gratitude for Australia's unwavering commitment, highlighting the significance of the partnership in addressing climate challenges. He characterized it as a beacon of hope for regional stability, sustainability, and prosperity.

According to NASA's Sea Level Change Team, a significant portion of Tuvalu's land and critical infrastructure could be submerged beneath the current high tide level by 2050. By the end of the century, Tuvalu is projected to experience over 100 days of flooding annually. The report also warns of worsening impacts like saltwater intrusion.

If all Tuvaluans accepted Australia's offer, and the cap remained at 280 migrants per year, it would take around four decades for Tuvalu's entire population to relocate to Australia. Additionally, Australia pledged increased funding for Tuvalu's Coastal Adaptation Project, aimed at expanding land around the main island of Funafuti by about six percent to help residents remain in their homeland.

When asked about the possibility of similar treaties with other Pacific nations, Albanese emphasized that the Tuvalu agreement was a substantial step and was initiated at Tuvalu's request, reflecting the nation's unique circumstances as a low-lying nation severely threatened by climate change.