Climate has been a big topic this past week as the east coast melts under an unprecedented run of very hot days.

It's also been on the mind of new US President Donald Trump—but not in a way that would soothe those who want more action to reduce America's massive level of greenhouse gas emissions.

But senior Republicans who support climate change action are undeterred by the president's apparent climate scepticism.

They've formed the Climate Leadership Council, which last week presented White House officials with what they describe as a 'conservative' four point plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, including the introduction of a carbon tax.