Prime Minister Tony Abbott has downplayed the likelihood of climate change being discussed at a G20 leaders' summit hosted by Australia, suggesting it does not fit the meeting's economic focus.

Asked about pressure from the US and Europe for climate to be included on the agenda for the November meeting in Brisbane, Mr Abbott said there were other international meetings that were more appropriate for discussing the issue.

''It's also important to ensure that these international meetings don't cover all subjects and illuminate none,'' he said.