President-elect Joe Biden's victory over Donald Trump will have innumerable benefits for not only America but the whole world. Perhaps prime among those will be a greater focus on preventing catastrophic climate change by the globe's second-largest polluter.

With President Trump in office, Australia's number one ally had a leader sympathetic to the current federal government's stance on climate change action.

A Joe Biden presidency leaves Australia in the awkward position of lagging behind our allies and world powers in committing to a net zero emissions target.

President-elect Biden has said he will commit the United States to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, and will rejoin the Paris Agreement. This follows in the footsteps of Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, France and other European nations. Even China, the world's largest greenhouse gas emitter, aims to reach net zero emissions by 2060. Yet, all Australia can manage is a vague commitment to reaching the mark in the second half of the century.

It would seem that a sensible place to start with meaningful action on climate change was offered to the Parliament on Monday when independent MP Zali Steggall introduced her climate change bill.

The Member for Warringah was elected pursuing a vocal climate change agenda and followed through on her promise by introducing the bill that would have locked in the net zero emissions by 2050 promise. It also would have created a climate change commission.

Given our current Prime Minister once lovingly cradled a lump of coal in the House of Representatives, the bill was always destined to fail and won't even be given the dignity of a vote.

Prior to introducing the bill, Ms Steggall called on Scott Morrison to allow MPs a conscience vote on the matter.

"If he's not willing to step up with the Coalition government, then open it up to a conscience vote," she said.

"Let MPs represent their electorates because climate change is a moral issue. It's a question of our ultimate long-term safety."

It is a shame that it fell to an independent to attempt to introduce legislation that would bring Australia on board with what other countries have been more than willing to commit to. The fact that taking serious action on climate change, and advocating for it internationally, is not a core part of the federal government's agenda is an appalling dereliction of duty.

Ms Steggall was correct to characterise it as a moral issue; Australia's response to climate change should not be determined by how progressive or conservative a party or individual is. The scientific community long ago reached consensus on climate change and it is clear the majority of Australians have too.

Even staunch conservatives are calling on the Australian government to do more. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Mr Morrison in a recent phone call it was time for "bold action" on climate change and the United Kingdom has signed up to the 2050 commitment. In response, the statement from Mr Morrison's office following the call minimised the emphasis placed on climate change.

It is absurd to think of climate change as a matter of political belief. The cataclysmic bushfires Australia appears destined for, of which last summer was but a taster, won't destroy the homes of progressives and spare those of conservatives. Rising sea levels won't swallow up homes based on who owners vote for. The social and economic burden of climate change will be felt by all and the time for action has already passed.

Australia can no longer cling to the excuse that our emissions are insignificant in the global context as reason to avoid implementing meaningful reductions. Countries of all sizes are committing to tackle climate change and if Australia wants to be taken seriously it is time we did the same.