To 'deny' transition away from fossil fuels is a 'disservice to your own people'

Liberal MP Dave Sharma says if we’re serious about reducing our emissions we need to lessen our reliance on fossil fuels.

It comes following all 197 parties of the United Nations signing up to the Glasgow climate deal – which included a phase down on coal instead of a complete ‘phase out’.

"This is the first time a UNFCCC COP has made a specific reference … to the use of a particular source of energy fossil fuel – so that in itself is progress," Mr Sharma told Sky News Australia.

"Fossil fuels have a limited shelf life, and they have a limited horizon – which is why we need to be preparing now for new industries, new workers, the economic transition … and if you deny that reality then you’re doing your own people a disservice."