Al Gore welcomes Turnbull's elevation

Former US vice president Al Gore says Malcolm Turnbull's elevation gives the nation the chance to lead talks on climate change.

Former US Vice President Al Gore (AP) Source: AP

Former US vice president Al Gore says a new prime minister gives Australia the chance to take leadership on international climate change.

"New PM offers fresh opportunity for Australia to stand beside the US and China in a leadership position going into #COP21," Mr Gore tweeted, after the Liberal party room voted to replace Tony Abbott with Malcolm Turnbull.

Mr Abbott had been criticised for a lack of action on climate change by world leaders in the lead up to the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris, which kicks off on November 30.