Kiribati President Anote Tong

Kiribati president Anote Tong warned people in the region would have to flee in waves similar to the current migrant crisis in Europe unless stronger action was taken to reduce emissions.

"I think it would be incumbent on them because how relevant [would] their presence be," he said.

"We expect them as a our big brothers, not bad brothers, our big brothers to support us on this one."

Australia and New Zealand are the two most economically powerful members of the PIF, which is meeting this week in Port Moresby.

The panel was made up of the Kiribati President Anote Tong, Prime Minister of Tonga Samiuela Akilisi Pohiva, Tuvalu PM Enele Sopoaga and President of Federated States of Marshall Islands  Christopher Loeak.

Pohiva asked why should they migrate.

He put forward three questions:

–         Where will they move?

–           How are they going to move?

–           Who will move them?

President Tong said moving was the last resort.