A royal commission into the summer's horror bushfire season will investigate the role of climate change, with the inquiry set to address the consequences of "longer, hotter, drier seasons and severe weather events".

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the inquiry will "acknowledge climate change" and focus on "practical action" to prevent, mitigate and respond to bushfires and other natural disasters.

The commission will be conducted at breakneck speed with a reporting date of August 31.

Its terms of reference cover a range of complex questions including tackling rising bushfire risks created by global warming; what are the best land management techniques to adapt to the new reality; are new planning laws required; and how can the federal and state governments work together to improve emergency response and recovery for local communities.