Australian of the Year finalist Munjed Al Muderis, the celebrated orthopaedic surgeon who arrived as a refugee on a leaking boat after fleeing Sadam Hussein's Iraqi regime, has vowed to use his platform to advocate for greater action on climate change.

Professor Al Muderis, who is a favourite to win the honour along with South Australian eye surgeon Dr James Muecke, called for politicians and ordinary citizens to "work collectively together" to reduce the nation's carbon emissions - including by embracing nuclear energy.

"I'm not an economist, I'm not an environmental scientist - I'm just a human being that senses the danger that we're facing," he told the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

Munjed Al Muderis will use his platform as NSW Australian of the Year to lobby for action on climate change. Credit:Mick Tsikas

"We all need to act together and regard it as our problem."