Australia is in danger of not being taken seriously at UN climate change talks in Lima, Greens leader Christine Milne has warned.
Senator Milne, who is in the Peruvian capital ahead of the last major ministerial meeting before the Paris summit in 2015, also fears funding of a green fund and legally-binding post-2020 targets are emerging as road blocks.
Australia has yet to commit to the $10 billion fund which aims to help developing nations cut emissions.
"People can't believe that a rich country like Australia is behaving in such a mean way," Senator Milne told ABC radio from Lima.
As well, the decision to abolish a carbon tax meant Australia wouldn't be taken seriously at the talks.
Whether or not a Paris agreement is legally binding on signatories has emerged as a hurdle in Lima, with the United States at odds with nations who want it mandated.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop is due to arrive in Lima on Monday to lead Australia's negotiations and will be joined by Trade Minister Andrew Robb.
Senator Milne is at the summit independently from the government and says the Australian delegation will be "spoiling" negotiations.
But she feels global momentum is building and hopes there can be some development on rules for an agreement next year.
There is cautious optimism Australia could pledge funds for the green climate fund, which sits at $9.7 billion after contributions from 22 other countries.
Australia is aiming to cut emissions by five per cent by 2020, but is yet to set a post-2020 target.
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