Environment Minister Sussan Ley said the new national climate resilience and adaptation strategy would be developed prior to major United Nations talks in Glasgow later this year.

Countries have been urged to bring bolder climate action plans to the conference, such as higher emissions reduction targets.

Ms Ley said Australia had this week joined the global Adaptation Action Coalition during a separate UN meeting.

"As the driest inhabited continent on earth, Australians understand the importance of adapting to harsh climatic conditions," she said.

The global group was launched by the UK and Egypt in January and also involves Bangladesh, Malawi, the Netherlands, Saint Lucia and the UN.

The group aims for practical adaptation strategies to help vulnerable communities.

"The AAC is an opportunity to share and showcase Australia's adaptation expertise that is helping to protect ecosystems and World Heritage properties from a changing climate," Ms Ley said.

"This includes our work to protect the Great Barrier Reef through innovative interventions such using naturally warm-adapted corals to enhance the ability of coral reefs to adapt to future conditions."

Another dozen Australian animals were recently listed as extinct and the government is still trying to change environmental laws before toughening up national standards.

The announcement comes amid more pressure from the United States for Australia to do more on climate change.

President Joe Biden's special envoy for climate John Kerry this week called Prime Minister Scott Morrison to talk about Australia's ambition.

Mr Morrison reiterated his aim to achieve net zero emissions "as soon as possible" and "preferably by 2050", without committing to the target which all states and territories have announced.

The Morrison government has recently been showing up at more global climate talks and events, saying it wants to work with other countries to develop technologies that can help reduce emissions.

"At home and abroad, we are committed to building partnerships that drive adaptation to protect and grow our economies, communities and the environment, now and in the future," Ms Ley said.

Australian Associated Press