Australia coal use is 'existential threat' to Pacific islands, says Fiji PM

Frank Bainimarama appeals to larger neighbour to 'more fully appreciate' climate risks and reduce carbon emissions

The prime minister of Fiji has warned Australia to reduce its coal emissions and do more to combat climate change as regional leaders prepare to gather in Tuvalu ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum this week.

Speaking in Tuvalu at a climate change conference ahead of the forum on Monday, Frank Bainimarama appealed directly to Australia to transition away from coal-powered energy and asked its government "to more fully appreciate" the "existential threat" facing Pacific nations.