Australia's coal use sharpens Pacific tension as Scott Morrison arrives for forum

Tuvalu PM says no amount of funding makes up for Australia's failure to cut emissions

The scene has been set for tense discussions in Tuvalu as Scott Morrison arrives on Wednesday, after his announcement of $500m in climate funding for the Pacific fell flat, with regional leaders saying that no matter how much money Australia put forward there was no excuse for not reducing emissions and closing coalmines.

Though the Australian prime minister was not present for the start of the Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting on Tuesday, his country's presence at the forum has already been strongly felt, with Pacific leaders pointedly calling for Australia to transition rapidly away from coal use.