Climate scientists have used updated reports of humanity’s impact on the environment to call on Australian politicians to do something beneficial, as they seemingly go backwards compared to the rest of the world.

Independent researchers from the Climate Institute say the Federal Government should think about an increased commitment to emissions reduction, based on the re-iterated findings in last week's IPCC report.

Developed countries in a much less fortunate position than Australia currently hold higher emissions reduction targets, Climate Institute scientists say. Australia is dragging its feet when average reductions of 10 and 12 per cent are taken on by international counterparts.

Chief executive John Conner believes Australia has ignored the action taken by China, the US, Germany and other nations, saying: “we've had this sort of bitter debate in the fishbowl of Australian politics, we've ignored the action that's happening overseas.”

He says several countries have more than one emissions trading scheme: “We're seeing China put in place seven and there's talk of another two or so... South Korea's doing the same... Mexico, Chile, other countries are looking at that as well. And even South Africa's looking at putting in a carbon price,” Mr Connor said.

“We've ignored the beginning of emissions trading schemes in California, the significant regulatory action that the Obama administration is now doing because they can't get a carbon market up.”

The Coalition says it can continue the previous government’s pledge for a 5 per cent reduction by dissolving existing efforts and introducing its ‘direct action’ plan. The ‘direct action’ policy will see the planting of 20 million trees, solar panel subsidies, emissions buy-back and soil carbon capture by groups such as CSIRO and economic bodies.

Mr Connor says this probably will not achieve a 5 per cent reduction.

The Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt says the Government will “easily” reach its target through its plan to buy extra carbon units back from emitters.

The Climate Change Authority is reportedly considering calling for an increase of the pledge to a 40 per cent reduction by 2030.

Mr Hunt has said he will listen to the recommendations of the Climate Change Authority – though they will have to tell him quickly as he also plans to shut it down.