Australia to give $200m to global climate fund

The Australian government has pledged $200 million to help poorer nations combat climate change in another apparent policy backflip.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop will announce the funding for the green climate fund at the UN climate summit in Lima on Wednesday.

The money will come out of the foreign aid budget.

The green climate fund, which helps less wealthy nations develop clean energy technology, was mentioned by US President Barack Obama during his speech at the University of Queensland during the G20.

Mr Obama used his speech as an opportunity to pledge US$3 billion to the fund, a clear call to arms for the world's leaders.

Japan, Canada and the UK have followed suit with billion-dollar donations.

However, during the G20, Prime Minister Tony Abbott was keen to keep climate change off the agenda and refused to commit to any contribution to the green climate fund.