Pam made worse by climate change: report

The devastation felt by Vanuatuans as Cyclone Pam thrashed their shores was made worse by climate change, a climate body claims.

A briefing statement by the Climate Council suggests the widespread flooding experienced in Vanuatu was exacerbated by rising sea levels, caused by climate change.

The council also says increasing ocean temperatures can boost the intensity of cyclones, as storms draw energy from surface waters.

Its briefing outlines a higher than average sea surface temperature in cyclone Pam's trajectory.

The council believes Australia's Pacific Island neighbours are "particularly vulnerable" to climate change as many are low-lying.

"Coastal flooding is a sleeping giant," it says.

"If the threat of sea-level rise is ignored, the projected increases in economic damage caused by coastal flooding are massive."

The council is calling for "deep and urgent" cuts in carbon emissions to avoid the most serious risks from rising sea levels and a detailed plan to deal with rises already being seen.