The ACT is set to join growing global efforts to use courts to press for urgent action to curb greenhouse gas emissions, with Climate Minister Shane Rattenbury seeking legal advice on how to lower litigation barriers.

Mr Rattenbury, a senior member of the Labor-Greens government, said having the ACT sue fossil fuel companies including in the energy sector "is one of the options we should explore".

AGL's Bayswater coal-fired power station. Credit:Nick Moir

"I've asked my department about what options are available to help bring forward climate action," he told Fairfax Media. "We need to look at other examples around the world to see if they are applicable here."

Mr Rattenbury said the work was "very much in the preliminary stages" and would need cabinet support before being implemented.