TRANSCRIPT
Since taking on the role of World Bank President, Ajay Banga has visited every region where the World Bank operates.
The last stage of this process involves a tour of the Pacific Islands nations experiencing the worst impacts of climate change.
In Tuvalu, his visit was welcomed and it's the first time a World Bank President has made the trip.
The majority of country's 11,000 residents live on atoll islands that are less than two metres above sea level.
On the ground, Mr Banga says it is clear to see the threat posed by climate change.
"It is so obvious on the ground here that they don't have a problem with creating emission heavy kind of growth they are basically suffering from the impact of climate change and what it's doing to them."
He says under his leadership, he wants climate change finance assistance to play a much bigger role in the work the World Bank is doing to reduce poverty in poorer nations.
"That in addition, you know, to me, adaptation and resilience is not only about infrastructure, as in physical. It's also about human infrastructure and helping them have the quality of life that they deserve and they need."
In the 80 years since it was created after World War Two, the multilateral lender has issued many billions of dollars in loans to the world's 75 poorest countries.
Grants are also provided through the World Bank's International Development Association - or I-D-A.
Mr Banga says he will be urging rich nations to replenish funds to the I-D-A at this month's United Nations General Assembly.
Climate change activists say it is important financial aid is provided in a way that reduces the debt burden on poor Pacific Island nations.
Grace Malie was one of the young people who spoke with Mr Banga during his visit.
Now 25, she says she recalls first learning about climate change as an 8-year-old, through conversations with her parents who explained why the space for playgrounds was shrinking.
"It's an emotional one and it's not a fair situation from our end that we are facing the brutal impacts of this crisis that we contribute very little to and what's endangered is our identity to our land, our identity as Tuvaluans and the future of our children and our descendants and that's very concerning."
She views the climate migration deal struck between Tuvalu and Australia last year with mixed feelings.
Under the treaty, from next year, Australia will issue 280 visas annually to Tuvaluans facing dangers posed by climate change.
"I love my country. I love my home and I love doing what I do every day in Tuvalu and I wish to stay. I wish to remain here on the island. I wish for my children to experience the same that I live excluding the, you know, living through the impacts of climate change."
The vice-president for the Tuvalu National Youth Council, Talua Nivaga, sees the option to relocate to Australia as a measure of absolute last resort.
"I've been an advocate and a youth advocate for climate mobility but it doesn't mean that we are right now requiring the movement of people at this stage. What we are advocating for is the clear path of people to move when it comes to the worst-case scenarios and the Falepili Treaty has shown a clear path but it's supposed to be a Plan B not a Plan A."
He says he discussed with Mr Banga the importance of creating jobs and skills training for young people on the island, including the skills a climate migrant might need.
During the Pacific Islands Forum talks in Tonga, Tuvalu's climate change minister, Maina Talia, urged Australia to set an urgent deadline for an end to fossil fuels.
That would include a ban on exporting fossil fuels.
The World Bank says in December it will deploy 45 per cent of its annual financing to climate change adaptation and mitigation by 2025.
Tuvalu's Deputy Prime Minister, Panapasi Nelesoni, says it is important the funding reaches Pacific Island nations that need it most.
He says the rising sea levels are making it harder to grow vegetable crops, which is adding to health problems.
"IDA (International Development Association) funding is very important because it is grant, given to us. So right now it is difficult for us to borrow money and we like to see a continuation of that assistance from the rich countries, given the problem we have with climate change and sea level rise."
