Australia's fossil fuel exports have the third-largest impact of any nation in the world

With fossil fuel use the number one concern linked to climate change, a new report is amplifying existing calls for the federal government to adjust Australia's course when it comes to energy sources

Coal mining operations at Port Waratah, Newcastle. Source: AAP

The report from the policy analysis centre the Australia Institute says the climate impact of Australia's fossil fuel exports ranks behind only that of Russia and Saudi Arabia.

It also ranks Australia ahead of the United States, despite the U-S population being 13 times greater than Australia's.

It also finds Australia is the world's fifth-largest miner of fossil fuel carbon.

The report is damning of the federal government's climate position.