There are warnings a rise in climate change refugees may force Australia to increase its military patrols of the nation's northern waters.
Defence chief Angus Campbell reportedly warned last month [[june]] that China could take advantage of rising sea levels to occupy abandoned islands in the Pacific, posing a security risk.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne says Australia is focused on tackling climate change in the region, pointing to the signing of the Boe [[boy]] Declaration at the recent Pacific Islands Forum.
The declaration recognises climate change as the greatest risk to life and security in the Pacific.
She says the government is also helping pay for projects in the Pacific through a multibillion-dollar fund.
